Metal Complexes and Their Potential Therapeutic Role Against COVID-19: Recent Developments in Drug Designing

Abstract

COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Being associated with high mortality rates, this pandemic has forced several countries worldwide to impose complete lockdowns to limit the spread of infection. Despite the development of various vaccines, there is still an urgent need to design novel treatments backed with safety data for fighting SARS-CoV-2 and its various mutants. Currently, scientists are putting their strenuous efforts into finding the best treatment option for COVID-19. In this regard, metal complexes being active antiviral agents and immunity enhancers have great potential against SARS-CoV-2. Herein, metal complexes' therapeutic role and significance against treating SARS-CoV-2 or any of its target proteins are discussed.

A tris(2-aminoethyl)amine-based zinc complex as a highly water-soluble drug carrier for the anti-COVID-19 drug favipiravir: a joint experimental and theoretical study

“…2,3 Similarly, elements such as zinc and copper are essential for growth and play a role in strengthening the body's immune system. 1 Moreover, zinc finger proteins play an important role in DNA recognition and the regulation of gene functions. Zinc has long been recognized as a trace element for the proper functioning of numerous proteins in the cell, including enzymes, signal transduction proteins and transcription factors, and it has long been known that zinc is an important cofactor of cellular proteins and many viral proteins.…”

“…In this regard, some metal complexes which have found use as anti-viral agents, or have the ability to enhance the immune system, have been found to have con-siderable activity against COVID-19. 1 To find new treatments, researchers have focused on a number of areas, including using metal complexes as drugs. In addition to being considered as a potential candidate in the treatment of COVID-19, metal complexes can be a source of multiple benefits.…”

Complexation of drug amifampridine with Cu(ii), Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) ions, and its dimerization with the magic of Mn(ii) salts. Potential anti-COVID-19 and anticancer activities

“…[65][66][67][68] 4.2. 1 H-and 13 2). In the 1 H NMR spectrum of AMP five peaks, three singlet peaks at 4.452, 5.284 and 7.601 ppm for two NH 2 groups and a single aromatic proton (green hydrogen in Fig.…”

“…The 13 C NMR spectra of [Zn(tren)(AMP)]Cl 2 in the aromatic region shows the five peaks of AMP. In addition, the 13 C signals of the tren moiety appeared at 37.434 and Dalton Transactions Paper 51.938 ppm (Fig. 12).…”

COVID-19 Vaccine and Role of Community Pharmacists

“…Over a year and a half ago, the very first case of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was reported, causing a global pandemic, that is, COVID-19. It came as a turning point, making scientists dig for maximum data on the virus and learn its management [1,2]. In this while, some preventive measures like physical distancing and protective gears have become an essential part of daily life.…”