Computational search for potential COVID-19 drugs from FDAapproved drugs and small molecules of natural origin identifies several anti-virals and plant products

The world is currently facing the COVID-19 pandemic, for which mild symptoms include fever and dry cough.In severe cases, it could lead to pneumonia and ultimately death in some instances. Moreover, the causativepathogen is highly contagious and there are no drugs or vaccines for it yet. The pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, is oneof the human coronaviruses which was identified to infect humans first in December 2019. SARS-CoV-2shares evolutionary relationship to other highly pathogenic viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We have exploited this similarity to model atarget non-structural protein, NSP1, since it is implicated in the regulation of host gene expression by the virusand hijacking of host machinery. We next interrogated the capacity to repurpose around 2300 FDA-approveddrugs and more than 3,00,000 small molecules of natural origin towards drug identification through virtualscreening and molecular dynamics. Interestingly, we observed simple molecules like lactose, previously knownanti-virals and few secondary metabolites of plants as promising hits. These herbal plants are already practicedin Ayurveda over centuries to treat respiratory problems and inflammation. Disclaimer: we would not like torecommend uptake of these small molecules for suspect COVID patients until it is approved by competentnational or international authorities.

Influenza Humana A H1N1, su profilaxis y tratamiento con antivirales / AH1N1 Human Influenza, Its Prophylaxis and Anti-viral Treatment

En el presente artículo se presentan las directrices generales que los profesionales de la salud deben conocer sobre la utilización de los antivirales en la profilaxis y tratamiento de la influenza humana tipo A (H1N1) que recientemente se presentó en nuestro país, Se especifican además los criterios para la dosificación y la vía de administración de acuerdo con la edad del enfermo y del antiviral que se trate. Se hace énfasis en los casos en los que están indicados los antivirales así como aquellos en los que se requiere extremar precauciones y limitar su uso. Así mismo como el uso de medidas no farmacológicas para evitar la diseminación del virus.

In this article, we state the general directions on AH1N1 human influenza anti-viral use, prophylaxis, and treatment. These directions were recently introduced in our country they should be known by all health professionals. For instance, dose and administrations form are specified according to age and suspected or confirmed case status, cases in which antivirals are indicated, as well as cases in which it is necessary to extreme anti-viral precautions and/ or limit their use, are all highlighted.