The 2019 novel coronavirus COVID-2019 has spread rapidly since its recent identification in patients with severe pneumonia in Wuhan, China. As of 31 march 2020, COVD-19 have more than >823,197 cases worldwide, with most confirmed cases in USA ~174,750, with an estimated mortality risk of ~5% and ~2% respectively.
Unfortunately, no vaccine or drug has been yet approved for COVID-19. Several options can be investigated, including monoclonal antibody, peptides, interferon therapies, and vaccines. However, new drug are likely to require month to year to develop. Review published in nature reviews drug discovery by Guangdi and Erik in feb 2020, reviewed therapeutic options in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Clinical trials have been initiated to test HIV protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir in patients infected with COVID-19. A randomized, open-label study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Lopinavir-Ritonavir in patients with mild novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Trial registration number : ChiCTR2000029539.
Other randomized clinical trials by Yunqing to evaluate the efficacy of favipiravir plus interferon-α in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) Trial registration number : ChiCTR2000029600.
Favipiravir plus baloxavir marboxil (an approved influenza inhibitor targeting the cap-dependent endonuclease) in patients who are still positive on virus detection under current antiviral therapy trial registration number : ChiCTR2000029544.
