4.6 Review

Drugs for COVID-19: An Update

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Review Allergy

A Review of Persistent Post-COVID Syndrome (PPCS)

Bryan Oronsky et al.

Summary: Persistent post-COVID syndrome, a pathologic entity, involves persistent physical, medical, and cognitive sequelae following COVID-19. The syndrome includes immunosuppression and organ fibrosis, and its potential long-term effects place a burden on healthcare systems, patients' families, and society.

CLINICAL REVIEWS IN ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY (2023)

Article Immunology

Oral Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir in Nonhospitalized Vaccinated Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Sarju Ganatra et al.

Summary: In this observational analysis, treatment with nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir in nonhospitalized vaccinated patients at high risk of disease progression was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of emergency room visits, hospitalization, or death between days 10 and 30, with no apparent increase in serious complications.

CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2023)

Letter Infectious Diseases

Efficacy and safety of Paxlovid for COVID-19:a meta-analysis

Qian Zheng et al.

JOURNAL OF INFECTION (2023)

Review Medicine, Research & Experimental

RdRp inhibitors and COVID-19: Is molnupiravir a good option?

Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemian et al.

Summary: Rapid changes in the viral genome allow viruses to evade host immune response, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is crucial in RNA viral infections. Researchers urgently seek effective treatments for COVID-19, with molnupiravir identified as a potential therapeutic agent.

BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY (2022)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab versus standard care/placebo in patients with COVID-19; a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Driton Vela et al.

Summary: Tocilizumab has shown efficacy and safety in treating patients with COVID-19. Its use reduces all-cause mortality and the risk of progression to mechanical ventilation without increasing serious adverse events.

BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Molnupiravir: First Approval

Yahiya Y. Syed

Summary: Molnupiravir is an orally-administered antiviral drug that inhibits the replication of COVID-19 virus by inducing viral error. It has received approval in the UK for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 and emergency use authorization in several countries.

DRUGS (2022)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Anakinra in COVID-19: A step closer to the cure

Fotios Barkas et al.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE (2022)

Review Infectious Diseases

Baricitinib combination therapy: a narrative review of repurposed Janus kinase inhibitor against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection

Mostafa Akbarzadeh-Khiavi et al.

Summary: The combination therapy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib has shown positive therapeutic outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, by modulating the inflammatory response and controlling cytokine storm induction. This strategy may be a potential treatment option for severe cases of COVID-19 with the standard of care.

INFECTION (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Clinical features and mechanistic insights into drug repurposing for combating COVID-19

Purva Asrani et al.

Summary: COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has led to a global pandemic, with the development and distribution of vaccines being crucial. This review article categorizes and analyzes potential drugs for COVID-19, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic interventions for those who are not vaccinated or susceptible to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant strains.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Transmembrane Protease TMPRSS2 as a Therapeutic Target for COVID-19 Treatment

Lukas Wettstein et al.

Summary: TMPRSS2 is a crucial protease with widespread expression in various organs, playing a role in the entry processes of different respiratory viruses. Inhibiting TMPRSS2 activity is a promising strategy for blocking viral infections.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Computational Analysis of Molnupiravir

Artem V. Sharov et al.

Summary: In this study, we computationally investigated three plausible tautomeric forms of molnupiravir and explored their influence on SARS-CoV-2 proteins.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2022)

Article Virology

Prognostic factors and combined use of tocilizumab and corticosteroids in a Spanish cohort of elderly COVID-19 patients

Miguel A. Duarte-Millan et al.

Summary: Elderly patients over 80 years old with COVID-19 infection exhibit more severe symptoms and higher mortality rates. Factors such as age, comorbidities, and treatments are associated with increased risk of death. The combined use of tocilizumab and corticosteroids may improve survival in this population.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Design of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Inhibitors for COVID-19 Antiviral Therapy Leveraging Binding Cooperativity

Zhengnan Shen et al.

Summary: Researchers have discovered a new antiviral drug that targets the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) to inhibit viral replication and improve antiviral potency in human cells.

JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2022)

Editorial Material Chemistry, Medicinal

Advances Toward COVID-19 Therapies Special Issue

Nouri Neamati

JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Cell Biology

Immunomodulatory agents for COVID-19 treatment: possible mechanism of action and immunopathology features

Foad Rommasi et al.

Summary: The novel coronavirus pandemic has posed significant challenges to medical healthcare in the current century. Researchers and medical professionals have been striving to find effective drugs and treatment options to combat COVID-19. This article discusses various medications and their potential mechanisms of action in treating the disease.

MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Corticosteroids for COVID-19: worth it or not?

Fariya Akter et al.

Summary: The use of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients has sparked controversy and requires further in-depth research to evaluate both its effectiveness and potential side effects.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Multidrug Resistance (MDR): A Widespread Phenomenon in Pharmacological Therapies

Alessia Catalano et al.

Summary: Multidrug resistance, including resistance to anticancer agents and antimicrobial drugs, is a significant concern in public health. The widespread use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of pathogenic bacteria resistant to multiple drugs, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may worsen antimicrobial resistance. Nanodrug delivery systems have shown promise in overcoming resistance.

MOLECULES (2022)

Editorial Material Medicine, Research & Experimental

Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Patients

V. Dinah Parums

Summary: The first oral antiviral drug, molnupiravir, and the oral antiviral drug, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, have received regulatory approval, providing new treatment options for the management of COVID-19. These approvals are significant in the context of the rapid spread of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Currently, there are ongoing investigations and regulatory approvals for more oral antiviral drugs.

MEDICAL SCIENCE MONITOR (2022)

Review Immunology

Pharmaco-immunomodulatory interventions for averting cytokine storm-linked disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Arbind Kumar et al.

Summary: This article discusses the severity and risk factors of hypercytokinemia in COVID-19 patients, with a special emphasis on prospective immunomodulatory therapies. Timely administration of immunomodulatory drugs may help mitigate the severity of the disease, reduce hospital stay, and lower mortality rate.

INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Infectious Diseases

Oral Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Therapy for COVID-19: The Dawn in the Dark?

Yuan-Pin Hung et al.

Summary: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is an effective and safe antiviral drug that inhibits the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. It shows promising antiviral effect against recent coronavirus mutants, but its effectiveness against future variants needs to be monitored.

ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL (2022)

Article Immunology

A randomized controlled clinical trial on efficacy and safety of anakinra in patients with severe COVID-19

Amir Behnam Kharazmi et al.

Summary: In severe COVID-19 patients, treatment with Anakinra significantly reduced the need for mechanical ventilation and resulted in a shorter hospital stay compared to the control group. There was no significant increase in the risk of infection observed in the study.

IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Inflammation: Biochemistry, cellular targets, anti-inflammatory agents and challenges with special emphasis on cyclooxygenase-2

Baljit Kaur et al.

Summary: The article reviews the involvement of inflammation in various diseases and treatment measures, focusing on the cyclooxygenase mediated metabolic pathways and the efficacy and side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs, providing information for the development of more potent and safe molecules.

BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Respiratory System

Azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine in hospitalised patients with confirmed COVID-19: a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial

Pradeesh Sivapalan et al.

Summary: The combination of azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine did not improve survival or length of hospitalisation in patients with COVID-19.

EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL (2022)

Article Virology

Efficacy of lopinavir-ritonavir combination therapy for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a meta-analysis

Jiawen Deng et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV/r) therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The results showed that LPV/r had no significant advantage over the control groups in terms of efficacy outcomes, and its use was associated with an increased risk of adverse events.

FUTURE VIROLOGY (2022)

Article Medical Laboratory Technology

Anakinra treatment efficacy in reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis

Zunaira Naveed et al.

Summary: The study suggests that anakinra may be a promising anti-inflammatory agent for reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients, especially in those with elevated inflammatory biomarkers.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Discovery of S-217622, a Noncovalent Oral SARS-CoV-2 3CLProtease Inhibitor Clinical Candidate for Treating COVID-19

Yuto Unoh et al.

Summary: S-217622 is the first oral noncovalent, nonpeptidic SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitor clinical candidate, which could be a potential oral agent for treating COVID-19.

JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

S-217622, a 3CL Protease Inhibitor and Clinical Candidate for SARSCoV-2

Joel D. A. Tyndall

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted scientists' ability to respond quickly to global challenges. This article presents the discovery of the orally available 3CL protease inhibitor S-217622 through structure-based drug design, screening, and optimization by Shionogi and Hokkaido University.

JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2022)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

Physicians Spreading Misinformation on Social Media - Do Right and Wrong Answers Still Exist in Medicine?

Richard J. Baron et al.

Summary: Doctors spreading misinformation on social media may face disciplinary sanctions.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

Review Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging

Clinical Management of COVID-19 Patients - An Update

Martin Molhave et al.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause COVID-19 disease, with mild-to-moderate symptoms in 80% of cases. However, elderly and at-risk populations have a higher mortality rate. Even mild COVID-19 cases can lead to long-term health issues. When handling suspected COVID-19 patients, healthcare staff should wear personal protective equipment and isolate the patients. Diagnosis is mainly based on PCR testing and blood samples, while imaging is not necessary. Treatment is individualized based on the patients' needs and risks, and follow-up evaluation is important for patients with long-term sequelae.

SEMINARS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Darunavir-cobicistat versus lopinavir-ritonavir in the treatment of COVID-19 infection (DOLCI): A multicenter observational study

Eman Zeyad Elmekaty et al.

Summary: This study compared the efficacy and safety of darunavir-cobicistat versus lopinavir-ritonavir in treating COVID-19 pneumonia patients. The results showed that lopinavir-ritonavir led to faster clinical improvement and/or virological clearance compared to darunavir-cobicistat. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence or severity of adverse events between the two treatments.

PLOS ONE (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Baricitinib against severe COVID-19: effectiveness and safety in hospitalised pretreated patients

Ruben Iglesias Gomez et al.

Summary: This observational retrospective study on hospitalized patients treated with baricitinib for severe COVID-19 showed improvements in clinical and analytical values without relevant adverse events, and 100% overall survival. Further clinical randomized trials are needed to confirm the clinical benefit of baricitinib.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL PHARMACY (2022)

Review Virology

COVID-19 at a Glance: An Up-to-Date Overview on Variants, Drug Design and Therapies

Domenico Iacopetta et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus poses a severe threat to public health. The search for vaccines has led to the approval of about twenty COVID-19 vaccines, but new genetic mutations and variants continue to emerge, necessitating pharmacological treatments.Various treatments, including antivirals, antibiotics, immunomodulators, vitamins, and drug repositioning, are being used to combat the spread of the virus.

VIRUSES-BASEL (2022)

Article Pediatrics

Slower Recovery with Early Lopinavir/Ritonavir use in Pediatric COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

Carlos K. H. Wong et al.

Summary: Early treatment with LPV/r for pediatric COVID-19 patients was associated with longer time to clinical improvement, and its use is not recommended for pediatric patients across age groups.

PEDIATRIC DRUGS (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Randomized controlled trial of favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, and standard care in patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 disease

Manaf AlQahtani et al.

Summary: This pilot study compared the efficacy of favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, and standard care in symptomatic patients with COVID-19. The results showed no significant difference in primary and secondary outcome measures among the three groups for mild to moderate COVID-19 disease.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Medicinal

Recent Progress in the Development of Opaganib for the Treatment of Covid-19

Charles Smith et al.

Summary: The article discusses the potential of the drug opaganib in treating Covid-19. It is associated with sphingolipid metabolism and has shown promising results in inhibiting viral infection and replication. Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of opaganib and its ability to significantly reduce mortality and accelerate viral clearance in a subset of patients.

DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY (2022)

Article Materials Science, Biomaterials

Nanoligomers Targeting Human miRNA for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Are Safe and Nontoxic in Mice

Colleen R. McCollum et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of an antisense compound targeting a miRNA linked to severe cases of COVID-19 as a safe and potential antiviral treatment. The compound does not cause toxic responses in mice and shows excellent and rapid biodistribution to the lungs, the main site of infection for SARS-CoV-2.

ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING (2022)

Letter Infectious Diseases

Omicron sublineage BA.2.75.2 exhibits extensive escape from neutralising antibodies

Daniel J. Sheward et al.

LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

Time to Stop Using Ineffective Covid-19 Drugs

Salim S. Abdool Karim et al.

Summary: In practicing evidence-based medicine, physicians make treatment decisions based on the best available evidence. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, some early treatment trials were poorly conducted or had too few patients, leading to a lack of replicable evidence for the efficacy of certain Covid-19 treatments. Nevertheless, some drugs, such as ivermectin and fluvoxamine, continue to be widely prescribed, despite limited evidence.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

Article Cell Biology

RNA G-quadruplex formed in SARS-CoV-2 used for COVID-19 treatment in animal models

Geng Qin et al.

Summary: The study reveals the presence of highly conservative and stable G-quadruplexes (G4s) in SARS-CoV-2, which play a dual role in inhibiting viral replication and transcription processes. The cationic porphyrin compound TMPyP4, targeting SARS-CoV-2 G4s, shows excellent antiviral activity and effectively suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models. This research provides a novel therapeutic approach by targeting the secondary structures within the SARS-CoV-2 genome and opens new possibilities for the design of selective drug candidates.

CELL DISCOVERY (2022)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

The efficacy of paxlovid in elderly patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants: Results of a non-randomized clinical trial

Weijie Zhong et al.

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Paxlovid in treating Chinese elder patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants. The results showed that Paxlovid significantly reduced the nucleic acid shedding time compared to the control group.

FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE (2022)

Review Food Science & Technology

Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment?

Alessia Catalano et al.

Summary: The importance of post-COVID syndrome has increased due to the reduction of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. Nutraceutical products have attracted great interest in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-COVID syndrome.

FOODS (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Combination therapy with nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir improves the survival of SARS-CoV-2 infected mice

Ju Hwan Jeong et al.

Summary: Combination therapy with nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication, improves survival rates, and alleviates clinical severity and virus-induced tissue damage.

ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

ACE2 protein expression in lung tissues of severe COVID-19 infection

Atish Gheware et al.

Summary: This study found significantly higher ACE2 protein expression in the lung tissues of deceased COVID-19 patients, which correlated with pathological changes and disease severity.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS (2022)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and adverse outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Qi Zhou et al.

Summary: This study found that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and COX-2 inhibitor, did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, more research is needed to validate these findings due to the limited number of studies and low-quality evidence.

ECLINICALMEDICINE (2022)

Review Medicine, Research & Experimental

The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19

Qing Hu et al.

Summary: This review focuses on the structural features and biological function of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro) and the recent advances in developing 3CLpro inhibitors. The review comprehensively summarizes the characteristics of various 3CLpro inhibitors, highlights the challenges in this field, and proposes future research directions.

MEDCOMM (2022)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Remdesivir and three other drugs for hospitalised patients with COVID-19: final results of the WHO Solidarity randomised trial and updated meta-analyses

Summary: This study presents the final results of the Solidarity trial and meta-analyses of mortality in relevant trials. The findings suggest that remdesivir does not have a significant effect on COVID-19 patients who are already on ventilators. However, it does have a small effect against death or progression to ventilation in other hospitalized patients.

LANCET (2022)

Review Infectious Diseases

Azithromycin in the treatment of COVID-19: a review

Daniel Echeverria-Esnal et al.

Summary: Azithromycin shows antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, which may be beneficial in treating COVID-19. However, evidence for its use is scarce and of low quality.

EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY (2021)

Review Chemistry, Medicinal

Antiviral Therapeutic Approaches for SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review

Victoria Gil Martinez et al.

Summary: This systematic review summarizes the efficacy and safety of five antivirals for COVID-19 treatment, with remdesivir and favipiravir found to be well tolerated and effective in accelerating clinical improvement, while lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin, and umifenovir did not show significant benefits in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

PHARMACEUTICALS (2021)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Recent Developments on Therapeutic and Diagnostic Approaches for COVID-19

Joydeb Majumder et al.

Summary: This review provides a summary of the latest approaches to diagnostics and therapy of COVID-19, focusing on conventional treatments including antiviral drugs, vaccines, antibody treatments, convalescent plasma therapy, as well as nanoparticle-based approaches. Extensive research and clinical trials are currently ongoing for these treatments in the fight against COVID-19.

AAPS JOURNAL (2021)

Review Medicine, Research & Experimental

Prevention and treatment of COVID-19: Focus on interferons, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and vaccine

Bianza Moise Bakadia et al.

Summary: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has spurred discussions on various treatment and prevention methods, with some showing potential effects but also facing controversies. The focus is on finding effective solutions for sustainable pandemic control.

BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Protease targeted COVID-19 drug discovery and its challenges: Insight into viral main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) inhibitors

Sk. Abdul Amin et al.

Summary: This study focuses on the potential drug discovery for COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, specifically targeting viral protease enzymes. Challenges in developing effective protease inhibitors are discussed, with emphasis on the importance of oral delivery and optimizing pharmacokinetic properties for drug development. Combining adequate pharmacokinetic properties with coronavirus protease activity and selectivity may offer potential drug candidates in the future.

BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2021)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

A review of potential suggested drugs for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) treatment

Parastoo Tarighi et al.

Summary: The latest COVID-19 pandemic has no conventional treatment or vaccine, leading to investigations on the repositioning of existing drugs as potential therapeutic options. Many drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials for efficacy and safety in treating COVID-19.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY (2021)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

An update on drugs with therapeutic potential for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) treatment

Sylwester Drozdzal et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to global health with various therapeutic agents initially proclaimed to be effective, but later disproved. The Pfizer agent PAXLOVIDTM has shown promising results in reducing hospitalization time and death rates. Further development of additional treatments is needed due to the insufficiency of current recommended therapeutic options.

DRUG RESISTANCE UPDATES (2021)

Article Virology

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Dampen the Cytokine and Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Jennifer S. Chen et al.

Summary: Research has shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the inflammatory response and antibody production in SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment, without affecting susceptibility to infection or viral replication.

JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY (2021)

Article Parasitology

One year update on the COVID-19 pandemic: Where are we now?

Sanjay Kumar Mishra et al.

Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic has spurred scientific research to study the origin, structures, and pathogenesis of the virus, leading to the development of potential therapeutic and vaccine candidates. Despite the significant progress in understanding SARS-CoV-2 biology and therapeutics, treatment still relies heavily on supportive care. Researchers continue to work on developing effective strategies to combat the virus, with a focus on vaccine development and repurposing existing drugs.

ACTA TROPICA (2021)

Review Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19: the never-ending story

Amin Gasmi et al.

Summary: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are considered promising agents against the new coronavirus, with antiviral effects demonstrated in vitro. These drugs can reduce immune reactions, inhibit inflammation, and potentially treat viral infections and related ailments. Studies are ongoing to determine their efficacy and safety in treating COVID-19.

APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (2021)

Article Infectious Diseases

Hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin in patients hospitalized for mild and moderate COVID-19

Elisa Baranski Lamback et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in combination with azithromycin in adult patients with COVID-19, showing similar clinical outcomes between the treatment group and the control group. However, the therapeutic regimen was considered ineffective in hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 related ARDS.

BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Dexamethasone: Therapeutic potential, risks, and future projection during COVID-19 pandemic

Sobia Noreen et al.

Summary: Dexamethasone has been identified as a significant development in fighting COVID-19, reducing mortality rates among severe cases. This review examines the therapeutic potential and risks of dexamethasone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY (2021)

Review Immunology

Immunomodulatory Effects of Azithromycin Revisited: Potential Applications to COVID-19

Vincent J. Venditto et al.

Summary: The rapid spread of COVID-19 has led to an increased focus on finding effective treatments, with many immunomodulatory therapies currently under investigation. Azithromycin, as an immunomodulatory drug, has potential benefits in late-stage treatment but also carries risks of immunosuppression and off-target effects.

FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY (2021)

Article Cell Biology

Role of miR-2392 in driving SARS-CoV-2 infection

J. Tyson McDonald et al.

Summary: The research demonstrates that miR-2392 is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, with potential for use in COVID-19 detection and as a target for antiviral therapy. Targeting miR-2392 can significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 viability, indicating a potential treatment for COVID-19.

CELL REPORTS (2021)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Therapeutic Role of Tocilizumab in SARS-CoV-2-Induced Cytokine Storm: Rationale and Current Evidence

Corrado Pelaia et al.

Summary: The article discusses the rationale for using tocilizumab in the SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine storm, current evidence, and future perspectives, focusing on its therapeutic effects in patients with life-threatening SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2021)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Current Potential Therapeutic Approaches against SARS-CoV-2: A Review

Dharmendra Kumar Yadav et al.

Summary: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses a serious threat to global public health with no effective treatment available yet. Various pharmaceutical approaches have been proposed to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, including inhibitors of TMPRSS2 and ACE2, as well as antiviral drugs like remdesivir, lopinavir, ritonavir, arbidol, and favipiravir. These treatments have shown to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and mortality associated with COVID-19.

BIOMEDICINES (2021)

Article Infectious Diseases

Combination of Hydroxychloroquine Plus Azithromycin As Potential Treatment for COVID-19 Patients: Safety Profile, Drug Interactions, and Management of Toxicity

Guillaume Hache et al.

Summary: This article discusses the efficacy and safety of combining hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for treating COVID-19, with many clinicians already using this combination globally.

MICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE (2021)

Review Endocrinology & Metabolism

Molnupiravir in COVID-19: A systematic review of literature

Awadhesh Kumar Singh et al.

Summary: Molnupiravir has shown significant benefits in reducing hospitalization or death in mild COVID-19 cases, making it a potential important tool in combating SARSCoV-2. However, its efficacy in moderate to severe COVID-19 remains uncertain, requiring further studies for clarification.

DIABETES & METABOLIC SYNDROME-CLINICAL RESEARCH & REVIEWS (2021)

Review Virology

Precision therapeutic targets for COVID-19

Zachary A. Krumm et al.

Summary: Since late 2019, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a widespread global pandemic with millions infected and hundreds of thousands dead. Current clinical management primarily involves supportive care, with some medications showing modest benefits in hospitalized patients. No specific antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2 are available, but several vaccines have been approved for use, highlighting the potential for a multi-drug cocktail strategy targeting key viral proteins to effectively inhibit virus replication and limit spread.

VIROLOGY JOURNAL (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Simeprevir Potently Suppresses SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Synergizes with Remdesivir

Ho Sing Lo et al.

Summary: Simeprevir has been identified as a promising repurposable drug for treating COVID-19, reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load significantly and synergizing with remdesivir in vitro. Additionally, Simeprevir inhibits key viral proteins and modulates host immune responses.

ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE (2021)

Review Respiratory System

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19: possible mechanisms and therapeutic management

Anolin Aslan et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious issue in the new era, with a focus on controlling lung diseases such as ARDS and lung failure. Ongoing research is crucial, with current emphasis on managing COVID-19 patients and evaluating treatment strategies for ARDS induced by COVID-19.

PNEUMONIA (2021)

Review Medicine, General & Internal

The Use of the Anticoagulant Heparin and Corticosteroid Dexamethasone as Prominent Treatments for COVID-19

Heloisa Antoniella Braz-de-Melo et al.

Summary: COVID-19 severity is associated with hypercoagulation and exacerbated inflammation, both influenced by ACE2 downregulation and cytokine storm occurrence. Heparin and dexamethasone are discussed as effective drugs for managing severe COVID-19 patients, but the use of dexamethasone should be carefully considered in relation to underlying medical conditions and the severity of the disease.

FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE (2021)

Review Infectious Diseases

Effectiveness of favipiravir in COVID-19: a live systematic review

Batu Ozlusen et al.

Summary: This study found no significant difference in fatality rate and mechanical ventilation requirement between Favipiravir treatment and the standard of care in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

High-dose dexamethasone treatment for COVID-19 severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective study

Alessandra Vecchie et al.

Summary: The study showed that high-dose dexamethasone can effectively reduce mortality in COVID-19-related ARDS patients, improve respiratory function and inflammatory markers. Cardiovascular disease may increase the risk of the composite outcome (death or invasive mechanical ventilation) in patients.

INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE (2021)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

Confronting the Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2, Summer 2021

Carlos del Rio et al.

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2021)

Review Multidisciplinary Sciences

The efficacy and safety of Favipiravir in treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Soheil Hassanipour et al.

Summary: The meta-analysis of Favipiravir in the treatment of COVID-19 showed significant clinical improvement in the Favipiravir group compared to the control group after seven days of hospitalization. However, there was no significant difference in viral clearance and oxygen therapy requirement between the two groups. The mortality rate was approximately 30% lower in the Favipiravir group, but this finding was not statistically significant.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS (2021)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Favipiravir Versus Arbidol for Clinical Recovery Rate in Moderate and Severe Adult COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective, Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Chang Chen et al.

Summary: This study compared the efficacy and safety of favipiravir and umifenovir (Arbidol) in treating COVID-19 patients. Although favipiravir showed a shorter duration for relief of fever and cough, it did not significantly improve the clinical recovery rate at day 7 compared to Arbidol. The adverse effects associated with favipiravir were mild and manageable.

FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY (2021)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Therapeutic Effectiveness and Safety of Repurposing Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19: Position Standing in 2021

Safaet Alam et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact globally, with approved vaccines still not fully meeting the demand, leading to continued exploration of repurposed drugs to tackle the virus. Researchers are focusing on both existing and new drugs to find effective treatments, with some showing promise in clinical trials.

FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY (2021)

Article Infectious Diseases

Efficacy and Safety of Favipiravir in Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients without Oxygen Therapy: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial

Masaharu Shinkai et al.

Summary: The study found that favipiravir may be an option for treating moderate COVID-19 pneumonia, with better effects in patients with obesity or coexisting conditions. However, the risk of adverse events, including hyperuricemia, should be carefully considered when using favipiravir.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY (2021)

Review Medicine, Research & Experimental

Emerging treatment strategies for COVID-19 infection

Maria Gavriatopoulou et al.

Summary: COVID-19 is a novel emerging infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 originating from Wuhan, China and has led to a worldwide pandemic. The typical manifestations include fever, sore throat, and dyspnea, with supportive care being the current standard of treatment as effective antiviral options are still lacking.

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE (2021)

Review Microbiology

Coronavirus biology and replication: implications for SARS-CoV-2

Philip V'kovski et al.

Summary: This review discusses key aspects of coronavirus biology and their implications for SARS-CoV-2 infections, treatment, and prevention strategies. Understanding virus-host interactions at the molecular level is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. Summarizing the discoveries of SARS-CoV-2 infection and comparing it with other coronaviruses will support future preparedness and combat strategies.

NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

Review Medicine, Research & Experimental

Immunopathogenesis and treatment of cytokine storm in COVID-19

Jae Seok Kim et al.

Summary: Severe COVID-19 is characterized by systemic hyper-inflammation and cytokine storm, often leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. Treatment of COVID-19 cytokine storm is crucial, with anti-inflammatory therapies playing a significant role. Various approaches are being used, including new cytokine-targeted therapies, to address the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19.

THERANOSTICS (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structural basis for the recognition of SARS-CoV-2 by full-length human ACE2

Renhong Yan et al.

SCIENCE (2020)

Article Virology

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the feces of COVID-19 patients

Yifei Chen et al.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structure of Mpro from SARS-CoV-2 and discovery of its inhibitors

Zhenming Jin et al.

NATURE (2020)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

A Trial of Lopinavir-Ritonavir in Adults Hospitalized with Severe Covid-19

B. Cao et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Azithromycin in COVID-19 Patients: Pharmacological Mechanism, Clinical Evidence and Prescribing Guidelines

Janet Sultana et al.

DRUG SAFETY (2020)

Article Urology & Nephrology

Treatment and research lines for the patient with COVID-19. What do we have and where are we going?

Carolina Gotera

International Braz J Urol (2020)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Drug repurposing approach to fight COVID-19

Thakur Uttam Singh et al.

PHARMACOLOGICAL REPORTS (2020)

Article Surgery

Coagulopathy, thromboembolic complications, and the use of heparin in COVID-19 pneumonia

Luca Costanzo et al.

JOURNAL OF VASCULAR SURGERY-VENOUS AND LYMPHATIC DISORDERS (2020)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Treatment for COVID-19: An overview

Cristina Stasi et al.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY (2020)