COVID-19 challenges and its therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a major global health crisis with significant mortality.
• Developing effective treatments is challenging, necessitating exploration of drug repurposing and repositioning.
• Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants pose risks of antibody escape, impacting reinfection and vaccine efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent trends, statistics, and clinical findings related to COVID-19.
• To highlight potential therapeutic strategies, including drug repurposing and medicinal plants.
• To discuss the development and challenges of COVID-19 vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Review of current clinical trials for COVID-19 medications.
• Investigation of potential therapeutic candidates, including medicinal plants.
• Analysis of vaccine development (whole virus, viral vector, protein subunit, nucleic acid).

Main Results:

• Numerous drugs (e.g., remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine) are in clinical trials.
• Medicinal plants show promise as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.
• Multiple vaccine types are in clinical trials, but antibody escape from variants is a concern.

Conclusions:

• Despite ongoing research and vaccine development, effective COVID-19 treatment remains focused on clinical management and supportive care.
• Continued investigation into therapeutics and vaccines is crucial to combat the evolving SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
• Addressing challenges like viral variants and antibody escape is essential for future control strategies.