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COVID-19 and Possible Pharmacological Preventive Options
1Department of Clinical Science, SUS, Experimental Cardiovascular research, University of Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
The dreadful fear of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with the deadly consequences, requires rapid development of pharmacological cures. The objective of this review is to speculate about possible pharmacological options, already available today to prevent or treat the COVID-19 in the early stage of its outbreak. A literature search across PubMed and internet was conducted. A number of studies dealing with COVID-19 were identified. The data elucidated that increased pro-inflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines in combination with hypoxia, thromboembolism and pneumonia are involved in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although many drugs has been tested in monotherapy regimen with varying outcome or without desirable effect, there is still hope for better results by simultaneously targeting the virus itself and its symptoms. Theoretically, a mixture of at least two available antiviral drugs in combination with other anti-pathogenic and immune system-enhancing drugs or combination of antiviral drugs with convalescent plasma seems likely to have much better effect than the monotherapy regimen of either of these drugs.
Insights
Early COVID-19 treatment may require combining antiviral drugs with immune-boosting therapies or convalescent plasma. This approach could offer better outcomes than single-drug treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents significant mortality risks.
- The early stages of the outbreak necessitated rapid identification of potential pharmacological treatments.
- Pathogenesis involves elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia, thromboembolism, and pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore existing pharmacological options for preventing or treating early-stage COVID-19.
- To review available drugs and theoretical treatment combinations.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search using PubMed and internet resources.
- Identified and reviewed studies related to COVID-19 treatments.
Main Results:
- Monotherapy regimens with tested drugs showed variable or undesirable effects.
- Combined therapeutic strategies are theoretically more promising than single-drug approaches.
- Key factors in SARS-CoV-2 infection include cytokine imbalance, hypoxia, and thromboembolism.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneously targeting the virus and its symptoms is a viable strategy.
- Combination therapy, such as using multiple antivirals with immunomodulators or convalescent plasma, may improve COVID-19 treatment efficacy.
- Further research into combination therapies is warranted for effective COVID-19 management.
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