COVID-19 into Chemical Science Perspective: Chemical Preventive Measures and Drug Development

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Development

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of chemical sciences in addressing global health crises.
• Understanding the virus's structure and developing effective countermeasures are paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the direct contributions of chemistry to managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To review chemical preventive measures and promising repurposed drugs for COVID-19 treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of chemical science applications in COVID-19 research.
• Analysis of structural identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• Investigation of synthetic routes and advancements for repurposed drugs.
• Focus on the mode of action for major chemical preventives.

Main Results:

• Chemistry is integral to viral structural identification, drug development, and preventive strategies.
• Four repurposed drugs show promise and are undergoing extensive clinical trials.
• Chemical preventives like soaps, hand sanitizers, and disinfectants are vital immediate defenses.

Conclusions:

• Chemical science provides essential tools for understanding, preventing, and treating COVID-19.
• Continued research into drug repurposing and chemical interventions is crucial.
• Effective chemical preventives remain the primary defense until vaccines and targeted therapies are widely available.