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The effect of antivirals on COVID-19: a systematic review

Nafisa Hussain1, Anusha Yoganathan1, Savini Hewage2

  • 1School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|September 14, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This systematic review explored antiviral treatments for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Combination therapies show potential, but more research is needed to determine optimal antiviral drug combinations for improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Systematic Review

Background:

  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic.
  • Antiviral therapies are being investigated for COVID-19 treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review studies on antiviral treatments for COVID-19.
  • To evaluate clinical outcomes of sole and combined antiviral therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Literature search of Medline, Global Health, and EMBASE (Dec 2019-May 2020).
  • Included 16 studies from 776 identified articles.

Main Results:

  • Three themes emerged: antivirals alone, lopinavir-ritonavir with other treatments, and other antivirals in combination.
  • Identified specific antivirals like lopinavir, umifenovir, and remdesivir.

Conclusions:

  • Combination antiviral therapy for COVID-19 shows promise.
  • Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to optimize treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Keywords:
COVID-19antiviralcoronavirustreatment

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