COVID-19 Treatment: Current and Emerging Options

Dr. Manish Maladkar, Mrs. Chitra Tekchandani , Mrs. Akshata Karchodi

Dr. Manish Maladkar, Mrs. Chitra Tekchandani , Mrs. Akshata Karchodi Aristo Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Keywords: COVID-19, management, SARS-CoV-2,, potential therapies, evidence

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a clinical threat to the global population. Its resemblance to SARS-CoV along with several other bat coronaviruses have been established through genome sequencing- related studies. The disease spreads by human-to-human transmission via droplets or direct contact and presents flu-like symptoms. It can have poor prognosis in high-risk individuals having co-morbid conditions. Though currently, no proven effective therapies for SARS-CoV-2 exist, many therapeutic agents are being repurposed to treat patients with COVID-19. The key aspect determining the prognosis of COVID-19 patients is the early accurate diagnosis followed by the management of acute respiratory failure and hemodynamic instability in moderate- evere cases. COVID-19 presents an unparalleled challenge to identify potential therapeutic agents for prophylaxis and treatment. There is an explicit and urgent need to explore all the possible prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. A large number of clinical trials have been launched to investigate potential therapies for COVID-19 and to provide the clinicians accurate evidence regarding effective medical treatments for this infection. The current review closely examines the drugs that are being explored and also those drugs which have a potential for consideration. Though the therapeutic options have not undergone extensive pre-clinical and clinical testing, each has a known merit and identified mechanism against viral infection. The review is based on currently available information and as new evidence emerges, reappraisal of therapies is anticipated.
Conflict of Interest: The authors are full time employees of Aristo Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Mumbai, India.

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