Novel coronavirus disease 2019 pharmacological treatments: A review

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an extraordinary need and challenge to identify effective therapeutic options for prevention and treatment. In this review, we summarize the major findings in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral characteristics and the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathophysiology, clinical presentation and outcomes. We then proceed to explain the mechanisms of action, outcomes, and adverse events identified for the front-running pharmacological treatments currently being used and/or investigated namely Remdesivir, Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Tocilizumab, and convalescent plasma. © 2020, American University of Beirut. All rights reserved.