Title:SARS-CoV-2: Recent Reports on Antiviral Therapies Based on Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Darunavir/Umifenovir, Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, Favipiravir and other Drugs for the Treatment of the New Coronavirus
VOLUME: 27 ISSUE: 27
Author(s):Michele Costanzo, Maria Anna Rachele De Giglio and Giovanni Nicola Roviello*
Affiliation:Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Instituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini IBB - CNR; Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples
Keywords:SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, COVID-19, antiviral drugs, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir,
lopinavir, ritonavir.
Abstract:Here we report on the most recent updates on experimental drugs successfully employed
in the treatment of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, also referred to as
COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease-19). In particular, several cases of recovered patients have
been reported after being treated with lopinavir/ritonavir [which is widely used to treat Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection] in combination with the anti-flu drug oseltamivir.
In addition, remdesivir, which has been previously administered to Ebola virus patients,
has also proven effective in the U.S. against coronavirus, while antimalarial chloroquine
and hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir and co-administered darunavir and umifenovir (in
patient therapies) were also recently recorded as having anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects. Since the
recoveries/deaths ratio in the last weeks significantly increased, especially in China, it is clear
that the experimental antiviral therapy, together with the availability of intensive care unit
beds in hospitals and rigorous government control measures, all play an important role in
dealing with this virus. This also stresses the urgent need for the scientific community to devote
its efforts to the development of other more specific antiviral strategies.