Why do we lack a specific magic anti-COVID-19 drug? Analyses and solutions

Drug Discov Today. 2021 Mar;26(3):631-636. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.010. Epub 2020 Dec 29.

Abstract

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents the greatest worldwide public health crisis of recent times. The lack of proven effective therapies means that COVID-19 rages relatively unchecked. Current anti-COVID-19 pharmacotherapies are drugs originally designed for other diseases, and administered orally or intravascularly. Thus, they can have various adverse effects. A specific anti-Coronavirus drug should not only target the virus per se, but also treat the related respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms. Here, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of current anti-COVID-19 pharmacotherapies, and analyze the reasons why in the era of big data we have not yet established specific coronavirus therapies and related technical bottlenecks. Finally, we present our design of a novel nebulized S-nitrosocaptopril that is under development for targeting both coronaviruses and their related symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents* / classification
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / physiopathology
  • COVID-19* / virology
  • Captopril / analogs & derivatives*
  • Captopril / pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism
  • Drug Development / methods
  • Drug Repositioning / methods
  • Humans
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Respiratory System / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory System / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • S-nitrosocaptopril
  • Captopril