Update on treatment and preventive interventions against COVID-19: an overview of potential pharmacological agents...

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases and Virology
• * Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• * The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic presents a significant global health challenge.
• * COVID-19 can lead to severe complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), necessitating urgent therapeutic development.
• * Existing research draws upon precedents from SARS and MERS for treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review and evaluate promising therapeutic and preventive candidates for COVID-19 treatment.
• * To assess the clinical feasibility of these interventions based on recent evidence.

Main Methods:

• * Literature review of empirical treatments based on SARS and MERS.
• * Analysis of antiviral drugs, immunotherapies, herbal medicine, and mesenchymal stem cells.
• * Inclusion of data on prophylactic interventions, including vaccine development.

Main Results:

• * Various therapeutic avenues are being explored, including antivirals targeting viral replication and immunotherapies for inflammation.
• * Preventive strategies, particularly vaccine development, are crucial for reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.
• * Evidence for the clinical practice feasibility of these treatments is being collected and updated.

Conclusions:

• * A multifaceted approach combining antivirals, immunotherapies, and vaccines is essential for managing COVID-19.
• * Continued research and clinical validation are critical for establishing effective treatments and prevention.
• * The review highlights the importance of evidence-based strategies for future pandemic preparedness.