The American Society for Microbiology has published a comprehensive article describing potential anti-coronavirus drugs. These are substances used in the research of viruses that cause SARS and MERS and are currently used in the treatment of HIV or Ebola.
A number of virological laboratories are currently involved in the development of coronavirus drugs or vaccines. A summary article has just been published in the American Society for Microbiology, which describes which substances might be effective in combating COVID-19.
Research builds on the lessons learned in the fight against SARS and MERS, which caused a minor epidemic at the beginning of the millennium. Remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue that has been tested in clinical trials against Ebola virus, appears to be the most promising. Remdesivir inhibits both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV replication in tissue cultures and yet works well on animal models. In a mouse model, remdesivir is shown to reduce pulmonary infection after timely administration.
Another variant may be drugs commonly used in the treatment of HIV-1. They are protease inhibitors, lopinavir and ritonavir, which are administered in combination with interferon beta. Their efficacy is confirmed in SARS-CoV patients and MERS infected mice.
Relatively high mortality in all three coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, COVD-19) may be associated with a high pro-inflammatory response. However, it is not yet clear whether treatment should target this particular direction.
Further research is needed and hopefully work on them as quickly as possible. Important are the ongoing animal models and clinical studies. Some approval processes are accelerated at this time.
