Treatment Of COVID-19 Infections Research Articles

Identifikasi Struktur Protein Spike Varian Baru SARS-CoV-2 secara Bioinformatika dalam Pengembangan Kandidat Terapi COVID-19

Despite the relatively slow evolutionary rate of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to other RNA viruses, the extensive and rapid transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of significant genetic diversity since the virus first infected the human population. This has resulted in various variants, such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), among others. Of particular concern are the Delta Variant and newly recognized Variants of Concern (VOCs), including lineages of B.1.617.2, as well as other VOCs discovered through local transmission, such as Epsilon (B.1.427/29-US) and B1.1.7/E484K-UK. The interactions between these variants and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have become a primary focus in understanding the infection and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This research aims to comprehensively identify, evaluate, and explore the structural characteristics of the macromolecular spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in the Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants using bioinformatics approaches. The methods employed in this study include homology modeling, molecular docking simulations, and molecular dynamics simulations. The research findings indicate that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in the Gamma variant exhibits a strong affinity for ACE2. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as a reference for designing effective vaccine or antiviral candidates targeting various SARS-CoV-2 variants in the treatment of COVID-19 infections.

Analysis of the Professional Aspects of Medical Drugs Industry in the Republic of Serbia in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic

The research subject of this paper is the analysis of the attitudes of employees in pharmaceutical companies towards the business aspects of the pharmaceutical industry during and after the end of the pandemic in the Republic of Serbia. The aim is to examine the differences in the attitudes of employees, as well as to determine which variables predict the situations of endangering the professional reputation of pharmaceutical companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was conducted by means of a survey during 2021 on a sample of 27 innovative and generic pharmaceutical companies. We used the SPSS program for descriptive statistics analysis, chi square test and binary logistic regression models. The findings show that there is a statistically significant difference in the expressed attitudes of employees in innovative and generic pharmaceutical companies in terms of coming to the office during the pandemic; the lack of medicines and medical devices used in the treatment of COVID-19 infections; the patient access to a chosen doctor; the expectations of the employees to continue working from home after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the binary regression models show the slowdown in the supply chain, the access to doctors and working from the home office have not been perceived as creating situations of endangering professional reputations, that is, they contribute to the sustainable economic success. On the other hand, the introduction of digital technologies decreases the occurrence of conditions in which their professional reputation has been threatened.

Clinical prolife and outcome in COVID-19 patients on treatment regimen of remdesivir, favipiravir, and non-antiviral drugs

Background: Although various drugs have been used in the treatment of COVID-19 infections, specific drug with good therapeutic outcome is still unclear. They are using remdesivir, favipiravir, ivermectin, azithromycin, and so on. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile of patients treated with different regimens and their outcome in improvement or morbidity of patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study after approval by the institutional ethics committee. Data were collected from case files of COVID-19-positive patients treated in COVID-19 ward in Bharati Hospital, Sangli. We collected as per our protocol pro forma as – routine COVID treatment with remdesivir, favipiravir, and non-antiviral drugs. We analyzed various clinical profiles (presenting complaints), duration of stay in COVID wards, their outcome as improved and discharged, or deaths occurred. Results: It was observed that majority 54% of patients were from 40 to 50 years’ range. There was male preponderance 64%. Clinical symptoms were fever (92%), cough (85%), sore throat (77%), headache (53%), and breathlessness (10%). Majority of them were diabetes mellitus (51%), obesity (22%), and hypertension. Ventilatory support needed in 18%, rest recovered on pharmacotherapy. Conclusion: One of the highly infectious diseases causing COVID-19 is contagious and transmitted through airborne droplets generated by sneezing, smooching, and coughing. So as per the WHO and CDC guidelines avoid close contact with these infected persons in a market or public place. Vaccines available against COVID-19 Covishield and Covaxin to prevent the severity and to have immunity against COVID should be taken by all.

Can Essential Oils Provide an Alternative Adjuvant Therapy for COVID-19 Infections and Pain Management at the Same Time?

The active compounds from essential oils have been an important asset in treating different diseases for many centuries. Nowadays, there are various available formulations used as food supplements to stimulate the immune system. In light of the current pandemic and the large amount of fake news circulating the internet, it is important to analyze which of the active compounds from essential oils can be successfully used in the treatment of COVID-19 infections. We analyzed the current literature on the effects of essential oils against the new SARS-CoV-2 virus to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these compounds and establish their possible antiviral efficacy. The available studies have highlighted the antiviral potential of active compounds from essential oils, indicating that they could be used as adjuvants in treating various viral infections, including COVID-19, leading to a milder course of the disease, and improving patients' outcomes. At the same time, these compounds relieve pain and lift the mood in comorbid patients suffering from opioid addiction. Essential oils might be useful as adjuvant tools, not only against SARS-CoV-2 but also for a subset of especially vulnerable patients affected with both COVID-19 and opioid addiction. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to determine their efficacy and develop standardized high-quality preparations that can be safely administered to the general population.

Value of fish oil in nutrition therapy in Covid-19 illness

Our expertise in the medical treatment of COVID-19 infections has grown with time and experience, resulting in the development of a cohesive overall therapeutic strategy for control of the viral infection from supportive measures for mild to moderate illness, to the full range of relevant organ support in critical illness in ICU. In parallel, our strategies for providing nutrition therapy have also evolved beyond the mere delivery of macronutrients (calories and protein) to the utilization of specific nutritional substrates that may play an important role in modifying the course of the disease and optimizing clinical outcomes.

Ivermectin associated adverse events in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 reported to the FACT pharmacovigilance project

Background In August 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a health alert following the rapid increase in ivermectin prescriptions and reports of severe illness associated with use of products containing ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 infections. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC have explicitly discouraged the use of ivermectin in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 outside of clinical trials. The study aims to describe the adverse events (AEs) related to ivermectin use for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Methods This is a prospective case series of adverse events related to therapeutics used in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 submitted to the FDA ACMT COVID-19 ToxIC (FACT) Pharmacovigilance Project sub-registry between October 2020 and December 2021. This is an ongoing toxico-surveillance system at 15 major academic medical centers in 12 states. Data collected included sociodemographics, exposure related information including dose, frequency, route, duration, and reason for taking ivermectin as well as a clinical description of the adverse event and the outcome. Results A total of 40 patients who developed AEs following ivermectin use were reported to FACT over 15 months. Self-medication with veterinary formulations were reported in 18/40 patients Thirty-three patients presented to emergency departments and nineteen patients were admitted to the hospital. Patients reported using ivermectin for prevention (24/40), treatment of symptoms (19/40), and for treatment of documented COVID-19 (8/40). Neurological toxicity was the most frequent finding. Fifteen patients had minor symptoms while 25 developed severe toxicity. Conclusions Ivermectin use for the attempted treatment of COVID-19 has potential adverse health effects primarily related to neurological function. This is especially true when patients are self-treating with this medication and when they are using formulations intended for non-human use.

Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and COVID-19.

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) first described by Wang et al, 2003 has contemporary interest arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. While tobacco smoking has been considered an aggravating factor in the severity of COVID-19 infections, it has been suggested by some that the nicotine derived from tobacco could lessen the severity of COVID-19 infections. This spotlight briefly describes the CAP and its potential role as a therapeutic target for the treatment of COVID-19 infections using vagus nerve stimulation or selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists.

Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail therapy for COVID-19: A Pharmacological innovation

The novel SARS-CoV-2 infection has ripped through international health systems and protocols causing unprecedented mortality, morbidity and global trade deficits amounting to billions. Various monoclonal antibodies have been proposed for use in the treatment of COVID-19 infections. One such drug is LY-CoV555 which in an ongoing phase two trial study conducted by Chen P et al, showed to have an elimination of 99.97% of the viral RNA. The monoclonal antibody 47D11 discovered by Wang et al, binds to SARS-CoV-2. The 47D11 has been reconfigured into a human IgG1 isotope. It has shown that the 47D11 mAb effectively neutralizes the SARS-COV-2 virus. The stance and development however for the treatment of COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies has shifted from a monotherapy to a so-called monoclonal antibody “cocktail” therapy.
 REGN-COV2 is such a cocktail developed with the use of two monoclonal antibodies REGN10987 and REGN10933 which have subsequently been named Imdevimab and Casirivimab. REGN-COV2 is currently under study in four phase 2 and 3 trial studies. These studies are multicentric in nature and are being conducted to evaluate the drug’s efficacy, dosing and clinical use as compared to the placebo. The mechanism of action of such monoclonal antibodies is related chiefly to the inhibition of the virus’s ability to perform its invasion and multiplication within the human body.
 The severity coupled with the sheer novelty of the SARSCoV-2 virus demands the use of newer therapies to both decrease the mortality and morbidity in patients suffering from the infection. The use of a combination of monoclonal antibodies is thereby well established and evident to both decrease the viral infection load, but is also useful in disrupting the virus’s life cycle and thus decreases the replication and viral shedding. It is therefore poignant that a combination of monoclonal antibodies, a “cocktail” therapy is employed so as to attack the virus at its various stages and thus this multifaceted approach may enhance the patient’s prognosis.

Disinformation about COVID-19 Preventions and Treatments: Analysis of USFDA Warning Letters

ABSTRACT COVID-19 poses a challenge beyond the virus itself, in that lockdown has been associated increased use of the internet and social media. Disinformation about prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19 can have lethal consequences. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is currently monitoring the compliance of manufacturing firms as well as medicinal product advertisers to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 USC § 321(h) regulations. In the event of noncompliance in the form of advertising products without prior USFDA approval for specific indications, doses, or route of administration, warning letters (WLs) are issued. WLs are intended to address the concerns identified by USFDA and encourage the recipient to take corrective steps to avoid similar instances in the future. We analyzed 182 WLs that were issued for noncompliance with drugs/devices related to either treatment, prevention, or testing of COVID-19 infections. The medicinal product website was identified as the major source of disinformation, followed by disseminated information on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Nearly four-fifths were related to drugs, followed by devices and biologicals. Several biologicals, as well as allopathic, herbal, and non-herbal drugs were identified in the WLs. We observed that noncompliance with the USFDA regulations in terms of advertising a variety of products for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection was widely prevalent. More efforts are required by the respective national drug regulatory authorities to initiate or continue their monitoring of disinformation that may have lethal consequences.

Therapeutic Effectiveness and Safety of Repurposing Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19: Position Standing in 2021.

COVID-19, transmitted by SARS-CoV-2, is one of the most serious pandemic situations in the history of mankind, and has already infected a huge population across the globe. This horrendously contagious viral outbreak was first identified in China and within a very short time it affected the world's health, transport, economic, and academic sectors. Despite the recent approval of a few anti-COVID-19 vaccines, their unavailability and insufficiency along with the lack of other potential therapeutic options are continuing to worsen the situation, with valuable lives continuing to be lost. In this situation, researchers across the globe are focusing on repurposing prospective drugs and prophylaxis such as favipiravir, remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, lopinavir-ritonavir, azithromycin, doxycycline, ACEIs/ARBs, rivaroxaban, and protease inhibitors, which were preliminarily based on in vitro and in vivo pharmacological and toxicological study reports followed by clinical applications. Based on available preliminary data derived from limited clinical trials, the US National Institute of Health (NIH) and USFDA also recommended a few drugs to be repurposed i.e., hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and favipiravir. However, World Health Organization later recommended against the use of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of COVID-19 infections. Combining basic knowledge of viral pathogenesis and pharmacodynamics of drug molecules as well as in silico approaches, many drug candidates have been investigated in clinical trials, some of which have been proven to be partially effective against COVID-19, and many of the other drugs are currently under extensive screening. The repurposing of prospective drug candidates from different stages of evaluation can be a handy wellspring in COVID-19 management and treatment along with approved anti-COVID-19 vaccines. This review article combined the information from completed clinical trials, case series, cohort studies, meta-analyses, and retrospective studies to focus on the current status of repurposing drugs in 2021.

SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19): A short update on molecular biochemistry, pathology, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

The ongoing coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic highlights the need for global scientific cooperation to advance our understanding of the immunological, molecular and biochemical mechanisms causing infection by this virus. Better understanding of key processes has allowed the development of vaccines in record time, and of agents with the potential to treat and neutralize current and future coronavirus outbreaks. To date, clinically effective agents for prevention and treatment of covid-19 infections are limited. This review provides a brief synopsis regarding the molecular biology, pathology and laboratory tests commonly used in the diagnosis and prognosis of covid-19, as well as the development of vaccines and therapeutic strategies to manage its current and future mutations.

Cytokines and Chemokines in SARS-CoV-2 Infections-Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Cytokine Storm.

The recently identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, the cause of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the associated ongoing pandemic, frequently leads to severe respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia with fatal consequences. Although several factors of this infection and its consequences are not completely clear, the presence and involvement of specific chemokines is undoubtedly crucial for the development and progression of COVID-19. Cytokine storm and the often-resulting cytokine release syndrome (CRS) are pathophysiological hallmarks in COVID-19 infections related to its most severe and fatal cases. In this hyperinflammatory event, chemokines and other cytokines are highly upregulated and are therefore not fulfilling their beneficial function in the host response anymore but causing harmful effects. Here, we present the recent views on the involvement of chemokines and selected cytokines in COVID-19 and the therapeutics currently in clinical development targeting or interfering with them, discussing their potentials in the treatment of COVID-19 infections.

Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Infections using Vitality TherapyTM

Objective: Millions of human beings are dying, and world economies are being destroyed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of the Phases I and II of Clinical Trials, “Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Infections Using Vitality TherapyTM” were, as the title indicates, to find prevention and cure for the COVID-19 infections. Phases I and II were funded by the author. The author is seeking funds from donors to start Phase III Clinical Trials. Methods: Group I participants were subjected to irradiation in an infrared sauna for 30 minutes weekly for the prevention of COVID-19 infections. Group II participants were infected patients. The patients were irradiated in infrared saunas for 60 minutes for treatment of COVID-19 infections. The wavelength of the infrared is 5 to 20 micrometers. To prevent dehydration at the fever temperature of 37.5°C to 39.0°C, participants were asked to drink 500 ml or more of hydrogen- rich micro-clustered antioxidant alkaline water with pH of 9.5 or ordinary tap water with pH 7 to 7.3. Acidic beverages or drinks with pH 2 to 6 were avoided. Group III participants were asked to take 2 to 5 grams of Vitamin C daily, with food, for the prevention of COVID-19 infections. The dosage was proportional to the weights of the participants. Results and Conclusion: Phases I and II of the Clinical Trials using Vitality TherapyTM revealed that COVID-19 infections can be prevented by 30 minutes of weekly infrared irradiation in an infrared sauna. With respect to the infected patients, 60 minutes irradiation in an infrared sauna completely cured the COVID-19 infections. There were no safety concerns. High doses of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), which produces Hydrogen Peroxide, can be used for preventing COVID-19 infections.

What is the efficacy of herbal medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 infection?

Abstract Currently, the cases continue to develop due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 via human-to-human transmission. Because there are no definitive anti COVID-19 drugs or vaccines available to treat this fatal infection, supporting medication to relieve the patient’s manifestations is generally the only choice. Because of the homology of COVID-19 pandemic and the previous SARS coronavirus outbreak in epidemiology, genomics, pathogenesis, and the widespread use of herbal medicine for the previous SARS outbreak, clinical data suggesting the beneficial impact of herbal medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 infections is discussed. 3-Chymotrypsin-protease inhibition, blocking RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, inhibition of helicase protein, inhibition of replication, inhibition of viral cell entry and immunomodulatory effect are the scientific reported anti-coronavirus effects of herb-derived compounds. The findings of a number of clinical experiences have shown that herbal medicine plays an important role in the treatment of COVID-19, giving new hope for COVID-19 prevention and control.

The rising role of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of COVID-19 infections

The rising role of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of COVID-19 infections

Potential Role of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Silver/Silver Nanoparticles in the Treatment of COVID-19 Infections

Potential Role of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Silver/Silver Nanoparticles in the Treatment of COVID-19 Infections