Clinical features and mechanistic insights into drug repurposing for combating COVID-19. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Asrani, Purva; Tiwari, Keshav; Eapen, Mathew Suji; McAlinden, Kielan Darcy; Haug, Greg; Johansen, Matt D.; Hansbro, Philip M.; Flanagan, Katie L.; Hassan, Md. Imtaiyaz; Sohal, Sukhwinder Singh
• Is Part Of: International journal of biochemistry & cell biology. Volume 142(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Therapeutic -- COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Cytokine storm -- Anti-viral compounds; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Cell Biology -- Periodicals; Biochimie -- Périodiques; Cytologie -- Périodiques; Biochimie; Cytologie; Biochemistry; Cytology; Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Periodicals; 572.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-2725

Abstract

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged from Wuhan in China before it spread to the entire globe. It causes coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) where mostly individuals present mild symptoms, some remain asymptomatic and some show severe lung inflammation and pneumonia in the host through the induction of a marked inflammatory 'cytokine storm'. New and efficacious vaccines have been developed and put into clinical practice in record time, however, there is a still a need for effective treatments for those who are not vaccinated or remain susceptible to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant strains. Despite this, effective therapeutic interventions against COVID-19 remain elusive. Here, we have reviewed potential drugs for COVID-19 classified on the basis of their mode of action. The mechanisms of action of each are discussed in detail to highlight the therapeutic targets that may help in reducing the global pandemic. The review was done up to July 2021 and the data was assessed through the official websites of WHO and CDC for collecting the information on the clinical trials. Moreover, the recent research papers were also assessed for the relevant data. The search was mainly based on keywords like Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, drugs (specific name of the drugs), COVID-19, clinical efficiency, safety profile, side-effects etc.This review outlines potential areas for future research into COVID-19 treatment strategies. Highlights: More than one year to the COVID-19 pandemic, still no effective drug treatment exists so far. We have summarized the drugs showing both positive effect and negative effects for their future application. Veklury (Remdesivir) is the only FDA-approved drug for adult and pediatric patients Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, colchicine and Ivermectin has been removed from the list of potential drugs. Tocilizumab and Sarilumab has been proven to work and are currently under trials. Though, Remdesivir has been licensed for emergency and provisional use in different countries, it is not terribly effective.