Recent progress in the repurposing of drugs/molecules for the management of COVID-19

Introduction: In the current scenario, COVID-19 is a clinical and public health problem globally. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains the causative agent, emerged in China and continuously spreading across the globe. Until now, no efficient therapeutics have been approved, which combat COVID-19. FDA approved broad-spectrum drugs/molecules could be repurposed against the COVID-19 and are under clinical trials, if the outcome of these trials proves positive, it could be used to manage COVID-19 pandemic. Areas covered: This article reviews the FDA approved drugs/molecules which could be repurposed in the combination or single to combat the COVID-19. Expert opinion: In this focused review, we suggested the repurposing of the pathogen-centric, host-centric, dual sword (act as pathogen-centric as well as host-centric), and the combinatorial (pathogen and host-centric) drugs against COVID-19 patients. These drugs singly or in combination could be effective for the management of COVID-19.

Automated summary

In the current global scenario, COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 remains a major clinical and public health issue with no approved efficient therapeutics. FDA approved broad-spectrum drugs/molecules are being repurposed in clinical trials for potential management of the pandemic. Expert opinions suggest repurposing pathogen-centric, host-centric, dual sword, and combinatorial drugs as potential options for effective management of COVID-19 patients.