Current Status of Multiple Drug Molecules, and Vaccines: An Update in SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutics

Mol Neurobiol. 2020 Oct;57(10):4106-4116. doi: 10.1007/s12035-020-02022-0. Epub 2020 Jul 15.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease that has taken the lives of many around the world. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). To date, the USA, Italy, Spain, France, Russia, and the UK have been hit the hardest by the virus. However, death counts are still rising. Some nations have managed to "flatten" the death rate via protective measures such physical distancing, quarantine measures, and therapeutic management. The structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus comprises of S proteins, M proteins, E proteins, hemagglutinin esterases, nucleocapsid proteins, and a 30-kb RNA genome. Viral proteases cleave these polyproteins and RNA-dependent polymerases replicate the genome. Currently, there are no effective therapies against this new disease. Numerous investigators are developing novel protease inhibitors, some of which have made it into clinical trials. Researchers are also attempting to develop a vaccine. In this review paper, we discuss the latest therapeutic developments against COVID-19. Graphical Abstract.

Keywords: HCQ; Protease inhibitor; Remdesivir; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy*
  • Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Viral Vaccines / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Viral Vaccines