Current drugs with potential for coronavirus disease 2019 therapy: a literature review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared as a pandemic by the WHO on 2020 a novel disease with no confirmed and precise therapeutic agent. Lopinavir/ ritonavir has shown no benefit in 199 COVID-19 hospitalized adult patients compared with standard care alone. Remdesivir has shown promising results in the first case of COVID-19 in the USA, but recent reports were disappointing and still are under more investigation in clinical trials. The arbidol (Umifenovir) and Favipiravir act well in postexposure prophylaxis and viral clearance. Interferons in combination with other antiviral agents, if administered in the early stages of the disease, can cause advantageous effects. Ribavirin is no more recommended in new guidelines. Tocilizumab (Actemra) is an effective treatment in severe patients of COVID-19 and a new therapeutic strategy. Systemic corticosteroids seem to have a great impact in reducing mortality rate in mechanically ventilated patients. There are also some supplementary agents such as vitamin C, A, D, selenium, and zinc that have been reported to be effective in the prevention and treatment of viral infections. Recent findings indicate human recombinant soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, niclosamide, and ivermectin had strong in-vitro results which can lead to fast in-vivo trials and help us to control infection.