COVID-19 Therapeutics: An Update on Effective Treatments Against Infection With SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Bill Thaddeus Padasas1, Erica Españo1, Sang-Hyun Kim1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong 30019, Korea.

Immune Network
|May 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 treatments are evolving to combat new SARS-CoV-2 variants. This review examines current antiviral and immune-based therapies, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation to protect vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • * Infectious Diseases and Virology
  • * Immunology and Pharmacology

Background:

  • * The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents an ongoing global health challenge.
  • * Viral mutations lead to variants and sublineages, impacting the effectiveness of existing treatments and vaccines.
  • * Therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing disease severity and protecting high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review current COVID-19 treatments, including antiviral and immune-based strategies.
  • * To analyze the mechanisms of action and efficacy of these treatments against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • * To emphasize the importance of continuous evaluation of therapeutic approaches.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature review of current clinical and pharmaceutical research on COVID-19 treatments.
  • * Classification of treatments based on molecular targets and mechanisms of action.
  • * Analysis of treatment efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Main Results:

  • * Antiviral agents target various stages of the SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle.
  • * Immune-based treatments focus on modulating the host inflammatory response.
  • * Efficacy varies among treatments, particularly against different variants of concern.

Conclusions:

  • * Current COVID-19 treatments offer diverse mechanisms to combat the virus and its effects.
  • * Ongoing research and evaluation are essential to adapt strategies against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • * Therapeutic interventions remain critical, especially for populations not fully protected by vaccination.

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