Therapeutic approaches for covid 19: Challenges and successes

ABSTRACT

The novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2 or COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 and soon became a global pandemic. The virus causes flu-like symptoms and is potentially lethal. The rapid spread of the virus leaves the world in total paralysis and has devastating effects on the health, economic, and social levels of most countries. No treatment has been approved yet and the world really needs a precise and urgent medication. Certainly, the developing of a new specific drug for COVID-19 would take a longer time than expected but it is hoped that this task will be completed sooner than later;therefore recent studies have prioritized testing previously FDA-approved drugs for other indications and whether they have significant effects on COVID-19 or not. In this study, we discuss recent applications, protocols, and the outcomes of these drugs as advised by healthcare institutions and providers, as well as to conduct a literature review.