Major Drugs Used in COVID-19 Treatment: Molecular Mechanisms, Validation and Current Progress in Trials

Abstract

Background: Currently, the present world is facing a new deadly challenge against a pandemic disease called COVID-19, which is caused by a coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2. To date, there is no drug or vaccine that can treat COVID-19 completely, but some drugs have been used primarily, and they are in different stages of clinical trials. This review article discussed and compared those drugs which are running ahead in COVID-19 treatments. Methods: We have explored PUBMED, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, as well as press release of WHO, NIH and FDA for articles about COVID-19, and reviewed them. Results: Drugs like favipiravir, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, ivermectin, corticosteroids and interferons have been found effective in some extents, and partially approved by FDA and WHO to treat COVID-19 at different phases of pandemic. However, some of these drugs have been disapproved later, although clinical trials are going on. In parallel, plasma therapy has been found fruitful in some extents too, and a number of vaccine trails are going on. Conclusions: This review article discussed the epidemiologic and mechanistic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, and how drugs could act on this virus with the comparative discussion on progress and backwards of major drugs used till date, which might be beneficial for choosing therapies against COVID-19 in different countries.

Black Cumin in Fighting with Coronaviruses

“…In all of the three cases of pandemics, the respiratory tract is the site of infection with fatal consequences [2 -4]. Since the beginning of COVID-19, different drugs have been used, and nowadays, several vaccines are in use to fight against this deadly disease, but still no complete cure [5]. Natural products, especially from plants and herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years in different parts of the world.…”