Broad‐spectrum prodrugs with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 activities: Strategies, benefits, and challenges. Issue 4 (18th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zhonglei; Yang, Liyan
• Other Names: Luo Guangxiang (George) guestEditor.; Ly Hinh guestEditor.; Gao Shou‐Jiang guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical virology. Volume 94:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1373
• Page End: 1390
• Publication Date: 2021-12-18
• Subjects: benefits -- broad‐spectrum -- challenges -- COVID‐19 -- prodrugs -- SARS‐CoV‐2; Virology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27517
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-6615

Abstract

Abstract: In this era, broad‐spectrum prodrugs with anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) activities are gaining considerable attention owing to their potential clinical benefits and role in combating the fast‐spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The last 2 years have seen a surge of reports on various broad‐spectrum prodrugs against SARS‐CoV‐2, and in in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical practice. Currently, only remdesivir (with many controversies and limitations) has been approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and additional potent anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 drugs are urgently required to enrich the defense arsenals. The world has ubiquitously grappled with the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the availability of broad‐spectrum prodrugs provides great hope for us to subdue this global threat. This article reviews promising treatment strategies, antiviral mechanisms, potential benefits, and daunting clinical challenges of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents to provide some important guidance for future clinical treatment. Highlights: 1. Broad‐spectrum anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 prodrugs are an essential class of antivirus that plays a vital role in the treatment of COVID‐19. 2. Various broad‐spectrum prodrugs against SARS‐CoV‐2, and in in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical practice were elaborated. 3. Promising treatment strategies, antiviral mechanisms, potential benefits, and daunting clinical challenges of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents highlighted in review.