Transformative approaches in SARS-CoV-2 management: Vaccines, therapeutics and future direction

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for rapid therapeutic and preventative interventions.
• Antivirals are crucial adjunctive countermeasures for infected, immunocompromised, or unvaccinated individuals.
• Long-COVID, zoonotic spillover, viral evolution, and drug resistance pose ongoing health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development strategies, including classical and next-generation approaches.
• To review recent breakthroughs in anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery, focusing on viral and host targets.
• To address safety risks, clinical trial data, and the emergence of drug-resistant variants.

Main Methods:

• Review of classical and next-generation vaccine development strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of clinical and experimental data from vaccine and antiviral trials.
• Examination of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery, including target identification and mechanistically representative molecules.

Main Results:

• Vaccines have been a frontline defense, with ongoing development of novel strategies.
• Antiviral therapies targeting viral or host factors show promise, with several in clinical investigation.
• Viral evolution and drug resistance necessitate continuous innovation in both vaccines and antivirals.

Conclusions:

• Integrating vaccines and antiviral therapies is essential for combating COVID-19 and future viral outbreaks.
• Innovative strategies are required to address viral evolution and emerging drug resistance.
• Preparedness for future pandemics relies on a multi-pronged approach combining vaccination and antiviral treatment.