Potential therapeutic options for COVID-19: an update on current evidence

Eur J Med Res. 2022 Jan 13;27(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s40001-021-00626-3.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, is the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and is a major public health concern nowadays. The rapid and global spread of this coronavirus leads to an increase in hospitalizations and thousands of deaths in many countries. To date, great efforts have been made worldwide for the efficient management of this crisis, but there is still no effective and specific treatment for COVID-19. The primary therapies to treat the disease are antivirals, anti-inflammatories and respiratory therapy. In addition, antibody therapies currently have been a many active and essential part of SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment. Ongoing trials are proposed different therapeutic options including various drugs, convalescent plasma therapy, monoclonal antibodies, immunoglobulin therapy, and cell therapy. The present study summarized current evidence of these therapeutic approaches to assess their efficacy and safety for COVID-19 treatment. We tried to provide comprehensive information about the available potential therapeutic approaches against COVID-19 to support researchers and physicians in any current and future progress in treating COVID-19 patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cell therapy; Convalescent plasma; Immunoglobulins; Monoclonal antibodies; Repurposed drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19 Serotherapy
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive* / methods
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous