Abstract
The virus SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is responsible for more than 400,000 deaths worldwide as of 10 June 2020. As a result of its recent appearance (December 2019), an efficacious treatment is not yet available. Although considered a lung infection since its emergence, COVID-19 is now causing multiple organ failure, requiring a continuous adjustment in the procedures. In this review, we summarize the current literature surrounding unproven therapies for COVID-19. Analyses of the clinical trials were grouped as chemotherapy, serotherapy, anticoagulant, and the use of human recombinant soluble ACE2 therapies. We conclude that, while no agent has hit the threshold for quality of evidence to demonstrate efficacy and safety, preliminary data show potential benefits. Moreover, there is a possibility for harm with these unproven therapies, and the decision to treat should be based on a comprehensive risk–benefit analysis.
Highlights
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 the etiological agent of COVID-19, emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 [1]
After the first cases of COVID-19 emerged, the disease was characterized as pneumonia, which could progress to severe illness, leading to death
This study demonstrates the possible role of hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin in decreasing the duration of viral infection
Summary
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 the etiological agent of COVID-19, emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 [1]. After the first cases of COVID-19 emerged, the disease was characterized as pneumonia, which could progress to severe illness, leading to death. We compiled and analyzed the current evidence on therapeutics under investigation for COVID-19, using the following keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, SARS, MERS, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir, ritonavir, remdesivir, oseltamivir, amantadine, colchicine, Microorganisms 2020, 8, 1097; doi:10.3390/microorganisms8081097 www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms. We compiled and analyzed the current evidence on therapeutics under investigation for COVID-19, using the following keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, SARS, MERS, Microorganisms 2020, 8, 1097 azithromycin, lopinavir, ritonavir, remdesivir, oseltamivir, amantadine, hydroxychloroquine, colchicine, corticosteroids, convalescent plasma, anticoagulation, mortality, recombinant, angiotensin, tocilizumab, and ACE2. The total number of serotherapy, anticoagulant, and human recombinant soluble ACE2 therapies (Table 1). Studies found was 20 (Figure 1), grouped into chemotherapy, serotherapy, anticoagulant, and human recombinant soluble ACE2 therapies (Table 1). Description of the studies using different types of Findings therapeutic agents.Reference
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