Therapeutic Modalities for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Abstract

The ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has accelerated in such short a period has spurred the investigation on existing and new therapeutic modalities. Therapeutic value of different classes of drugs have been tested including anti-parasites (Ivermectin), steroids (Dexamethasone), immune regulators (Tocilizumab), combination therapy MATH+ (Methylprednisolone, Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine), corticosteroid (Heparin), and antiviral medications (Molnupiravir or Paxlovid). Similarly, different types of vaccines, including mRNA-based vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and inactivated vaccines (requiring adjuvants) have also developed. Outbreaks of numerous COVID-19 variants, such as Omicron with rapid and frequent genomic mutations, have rendered vaccines less effectiveness against COVID-19. Due to short-term immune protection and treatment-induced adverse effects (e.g., vision problems, vertigo, diarrhea, nausea, allergic reaction, hypokalemia, hypertension, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, Guillain-Bare syndrome, Bell’s palsy) boosters or secondary treatment is needed. Although various vaccines and therapeutics have been developed, further testing is required to obtain higher efficacy across age, gender, and race ranges and to establish long-term immunity. This review summarizes current treatment options available against COVID-19, their mechanisms of action, undesired side effects, as well as safety and efficacy protocols.