Recent updates on immunological, pharmacological, and alternative approaches to combat COVID‑19

Akhtar, Muhammad Furqan (2021) Recent updates on immunological, pharmacological, and alternative approaches to combat COVID‑19. Inflammopharmacology.

Text (Review Article) Saleem2021_Article_RecentUpdatesOnImmunologicalPh.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is instigated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) that is mainly transmitted via the inhalation route and characterized by fever, coughing and shortness of
breath. COVID-19 affects all age groups with no single cure. The drug discovery, manufacturing, and safety studies require
extensive time and sources and, therefore, struggled to match the exponential spread of COVID-19. Yet, various repurposed
drugs (antivirals, immune-modulators, nucleotide analogues), and convalescent plasma therapy have been authorized for
emergency use against COVID-19 by Food and Drug Administration under certain limits and conditions. The discovery of
vaccine is the biggest milestone achieved during the current pandemic era. About nine vaccines were developed for human
use with varying claims of efficacy. The rapid emergence of mutations in SARS-CoV-2, suspected adverse drug reactions
of current therapies in special population groups and limited availability of drugs in developing countries necessitate the
development of more efficacious, safe and cheap drugs/vaccines for treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Keeping in
view these limitations, the current review provides an update on the efficacy and safety of the repurposed, and natural drugs
to treat COVID-19 as well as the vaccines used for its prophylaxis.

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