Some results of riamilovir (triazavirine) usage in medical staff for prevention and treatment of COVID-19

Riamilovir, a drug registered in Russia (chemical formula: methylthionitrooxodihydrotriazolotriazinide sodium, trade name: Triazavirin) is a synthetic analogue of guanine and a drug of direct antiviral action. Currently, there are conflicting data regarding usage of riamilovir as a preventive and therapeutic agent in coronavirus infections. The purpose of this study was to analyze some results of riamilovir usage, both for prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and for the treatment of COVID-19 during the first wave of the new coronavirus pandemic. The analysis was based on a survey of 62 medical staff workers at a single medical institution in Ekaterinburg who was ill with COVID-19, being divided into 4 groups: (1) those who did not receive riamilovir (control), (2) persons who received riamilovir only as a disease prevention, (3) subjects who received the drug as a therapeutic agent, (4) those who received riamilovir before and during the disease. The data concerning usage of riamilovir for the prevention of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus have shown the following consequences: increased duration of hospitalization, an increased incidence of COVID-19 complications, i.e., fever, shortness of breath, pulmonary insufficiency, pneumonia, higher frequency of neurological disorders, which were not reported elsewhere. Severe clinical course of the disease was observed much more often in cases of prophylactic riamilovir administration, and the rehabilitation period was incomplete 2 months after the disease. Clinical symptoms of muscle and joint pain were documented at later terms in all persons who received riamilovir to prevent a new coronavirus infection. Usage of riamilovir for therapeutic purposes made it possible to avoid the development of pulmonary insufficiency, severe course of the infectious disease, and entirely restore the state of health. The study did not reveal the usefulness of riamilovir for prevention of COVID-19 complications when taking the drug before infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the use of riamilovir for therapeutic purposes prevents development of severe clinical cases and is associated with 4-fold reduced risk of pain in muscles, joints, and spine among the COVID-19 patients.