Repurposing antivirals as potential treatments for SARS-CoV-2: From SARS to COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent of the current pandemic of therespiratory disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The government and health authorities aroundthe world have advocated social distancing, containment measures, and effective diagnosis as the first measuresto slow down the spread of the disease, but, still, treatment options are urgent, especially for patients evolving tosevere pneumonia. Several pharmaceuticals with antiviral effects were identified and tested, to some extent, duringthe previous SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreaks. Type I interferons (IFNs),ribavirin, lopinavir/ritonavir, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, and remdesivir emerge as the primary options forin-hospital treatment of patients with COVID-19, focused on reducing the viral load. Although more experimental andclinical evidence is required, the accumulated in vitro and clinical knowledge discussed here supports those drugs asfeasible alternatives to face the SARS-CoV infection in the short term, whereas more effective measures arise fromthe world scientific community