ABSTRACT
Chemotherapeutics and biotherapeutics agents have been explored as a potential treatment for COVID-19. This study was aimed to elucidate latest update related to biotherapeutics and chemotherapeutics against COVID-19 and its variants as well as the product specifications and marketing dynamics of its pharmacotherapies. There are several chemotherapeutics that have been studied for the treatment of COVID-19, including Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir & Ritonavir) fixed dose combination, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir fixed dose combination, Remdesivir (Vekulary/Covifor) fixed dose combination, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, molnupiravir, favipiravir, Infliximab (Remsima®) fixed dose combination tocilizumab (Actimera), casirivimab+imdevimab (Ronapreve) fixed dose combination, ivermectin, methylprednisole. These drugs have been repurposed for use in COVID-19 due to their antiviral properties and ability to reduce inflammation. The COVID-19 death cases have significantly reduced because of tested efficacy of advanced biotherapeutics and chemotherapeutics. As for marketing dynamics, the demand for chemotherapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 has increased significantly since the outbreak of the pandemic. Hence, the prices of anti-viral and monoclonal antibodies in top COVID-19 affected countries is also presented here. Considering the molecular interactions, therapeutic activity, efficacy, and adverse effects, the USFDA and the WHO recommended the aforementioned drugs. The chances of approval seems favouring biotherapeutics as these have the best characteristics among the chemotherapeutics. Overall, this review contributes to the scientific understanding of the COVID-19. This can help to inform future research and development efforts and contribute to the overall advancement of knowledge in the field of medicine. © 2022, HH Publisher. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The study's objective was to assess the features and content of the COVID-19 mobile applications accessible in the Apple AppStore. A content analysis, comparison, and functionality evaluation of a few COVID-19 related mobile applications was performed. The search for COVID-19 related apps in the iOS AppStore took place between February 1 and March 31, 2022. The mobile applications received a maximum of 7 points (basic feature assessment) and 8 points overall (functionality assessment). The requirements were fully met by receiving one point. Frequencies from descriptive statistics were used to allude to the applications' features according to the app's basic purpose. A total of 234 applications were recognized using the keywords to exploreCOVID-19 related mobile applications in Apple AppStore. However, 58 mobile applications (24.8%) relevant to COVID-19 were evaluated. According to the findings of an evaluation of basic aspects of mobile applications, 89.7% require an internet connection, 70.7% have a size of less than 50 MB, 96.6% require no funding, 58.6% include educational content, and 60.3% offer advice from the applications. In terms of score, 41.4% scored three or below, whereas 58.6% scored four or above. Functionality assessment wise, 79.3% included information regarding COVID-19, 12.1% included COVID-19 contact tracing, 17.2% had vaccination status, a health authority maintained 50%, 31.0% included COVID-19 statistics, and 25.8% were able to report ART/PCR test. In terms of score, 91.4% scored three points or less, and 8.6% scored four points or more. This study has discovered several applications that could effectively prevent COVID-19 pandemic spread. Based on the findings, mobile applications that would be recommended are the ones supported by the government health administration of the respective country. App development companies' applications show that competent healthcare personnel was not involved in developing the applications. Online consultation with healthcare professionals might help the public who do not have access to the nearest hospital. © 2022, HH Publisher. All rights reserved.