A systematic review and meta‑analysis of Arbidol therapy for acute respiratory viral infections: A potential treatment for COVID‑19

Abstract

Arbidol (ARB) is efficacious for the treatment of influenza, and has been recommended for COVID-19. The present systematic review was performed to assess the existing knowledge on ARB therapy for acute respiratory viral infections, especially COVID-19. Subsequently, six databases were searched for publications reporting clinical outcomes of ARB therapy, and registered clinical trials up to May 6, 2022. The available literature was rigorously appraised. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 articles were identified for the final review. The result of meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the negative rate of PCR day 7 [risk ratio (