https://doi.org/10.5812/iji.106243

Potential Drugs for Treating COVID-19 Infection

authors:

avatar Mehrdad Mohammadi ORCID 1 , * , avatar Tim Sandle ORCID 2 , avatar Sajad Rajabi ORCID 3 , avatar Ahmad Khorshidi 1 , avatar Ahmad Piroozmand ORCID 4

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Bio Products Laboratory, Elstree, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
International Journal of Infection: Vol.7, issue 4; e106243
published online: October 10, 2020
article type: Review Article
received: July 1, 2020
revised: August 24, 2020
accepted: September 24, 2020

how to cite: Mohammadi M, Sandle T , Rajabi S, Khorshidi A, Piroozmand A. Potential Drugs for Treating COVID-19 Infection. Int J Infect. 2020;7(4):e106243. https://doi.org/10.5812/iji.106243.

Abstract

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared as an emerging respiratory disease in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and then spread rapidly worldwide, being declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Researchers are attempting to discover specifically designed antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Several therapeutic agents such as Interferon-α, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Ribavirin, Chloroquine, Chloroquine phosphate, Hydroxychloroquine, Arbidol, Favipiravir, Remdesivir, Darunavir, Imatinib, Teicoplanin, Azithromycin, COVID-19 convalescent plasma, other potential antiviral drugs, and Chinese herbal agents are now being clinically studied to examine both pharmaceutical efficacy and safety for COVID-19 treatment in several countries. Some favorable results from these studies have been obtained to date. This review article summarizes and reiterates drugs that are potentially efficient against COVID-19.

1. Context

The first patient infected with the novel coronavirus emerged on December 30, 2019, in a sea-food restaurant in Wuhan, Hubei province, P.R. China. Then, the infection spread to most countries of the world, up to 200 countries (1-3). The World Health Organization (WHO) named the pathogen, initially called 2019-nCoV, as SARS-CoV-2 on February 12. The virus causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019). The WHO report declared the virus as responsible for a pandemic on March 11, 2020 (4, 5). The initial whole-genome sequence of 2019-nCoV (COVID-19) was available at GenBank (Wuhan-Hu-1, GenBank accession number MN908947) of the NCBI on January 10, 2020 (2, 6). In the phylogenetic analysis, COVID-19 belongs to the realm of Riboviria, the phylum of incertae sedis, the order of Nidovirales s. the family of Coronaviridae, the subfamily of Orthocoronavirinae, and the genera of betacoronavirus (7-10). It shares ancestry with bat coronavirus HKU9-1, and is similar to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses (8). In terms of infectivity, the genomic analysis reveals how the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 reacts with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor (11-14). ACE2 is found in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and coronary endothelial cells. Importantly, ACE2 serves as a regulator for heart function (Figure 1) (11, 12, 15, 16).

The major potential drugs mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2, This graphical abstract demonstrates the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in the host cells. The target of potential drugs exhibited by red banned icon in virus life cycle
The major potential drugs mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2, This graphical abstract demonstrates the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in the host cells. The target of potential drugs exhibited by red banned icon in virus life cycle
Figure 1.

The major potential drugs mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2, This graphical abstract demonstrates the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in the host cells. The target of potential drugs exhibited by red banned icon in virus life cycle

The Corona Viruses (CoVs) contain non-segmented, single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA (+ssRNA; ~30 kb) genomes (9). SARS-CoV-2 has the largest RNA genome within the family, containing approximately 30 kilobases (kb) genome (9, 17). The genomic pattern and organization of SARS-CoV-2 are similar to those of other beta-coronaviruses (7, 8). Despite being classified as a beta-coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 differs from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV (7). SARS-CoV-2 gene nucleotide similarity to MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV is less than 80% and 89.10%, respectively (2, 7, 10). A minimum of six Open Reading Frames (ORFs) are present in the genome (7). Several proteins are formed from these ORF products via cleavage through the proteolysis process. PLpro and 3CLpro carry out these proteolysis reactions (18). 3CLpro plays a principal role in the replication of virus particles (7, 18). Therefore, 3CLpro presents the best potential target for anti-coronavirus inhibitors and should be investigated further for drug design (18). Other ORFs adjacent to the 3’ end can encode no less than four major structural proteins: spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins (7).

Scientists are endeavoring to find drugs to treat COVID-19. These attempts are currently focused on at least 30 drugs such as natural agents, Western drugs, and traditional Chinese therapeutic agents, each of which is potentially efficient against COVID-19. Clinical studies have been rapidly conducted on some of these agents, and the results are indicative of their initial efficacy against COVID-19 (19-22). The current study aimed to review the possible and proposed drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. A summary of information about these drugs is provided in Table 1. It is clear that extensive clinical research is needed to conclusively confirm the effect of these drugs on COVID-19. The drugs studied in the present survey may also have side effects; thus, in prescribing these drugs, it is necessary to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio. Some side effects of these drugs aggravate the symptoms of coronavirus. In these cases, more care is needed in prescribing the drug. Some other side effects of the drug may be negligible in the face of virus-related mortality.

Table 1.

Main Available Information About Possible Drugs in the Treatment of Coronavirus

Drug NameUsageDoseDaily UsageTreatment PeriodDescriptionSide Effects
Interferon-αNebulization200,000–400,000 IU/kgTwice a day5-7 daysFrequently employed for hepatitis treatmentFlu-like syndrome; Fever; Chills; Generalized aches; Pain; Headache; Poor appetite; Fatigue; Drowsiness; Low blood counts
Spray8000 IU/injection; 1/1-2 hours8-10 spray/day5-7 daysUse for high-risk patients with close contact with patients who were suspected to be infected with COVID-19 or during the primary stages of manifestations in the upper respiratory tract
Lopinavir/litonavirOral200 mg /capsule; two capsules each time2 times/day (4 capsules/day)5-7 daysUse for adult patients infected with COVID-19 pneumonia/(HIV) infection in children over 14 days of ageDiarrhea; Headache; Weakness; Nausea; Stomach upset; Drowsiness; Dizziness; Nausea; Vomiting; Stomach pain; Diarrhea; Weakness; Rash
RibavirinOral500 mg each time2-3 times per dayActing by the mechanism of nucleoside analogNausea; Flu-like symptoms; Weakness; Low white blood cell counts; Fever; Chills or shaking; Headache; Feeling anxious or irritable Muscle pain; Vomiting; Loss of appetite
Chloroquine, Chloroquine phosphate, and HydroxychloroquineOralChloroquine: 300 mg; Hydroxychloroquine: 400 mg or 200 mgChloroquine: twice a day; Hydroxychloroquine: 400 mg two times on the first day, 200 mg two times a day for a course of four days1-4 daysBroad-spectrum antiviral effects, but most commonly used as an antimalarial drug; Obstructing COVID-19 infection by inhibiting viral enzymes such as DNA and RNA polymerase or viral processes including assembly, protein glycosylation, and transport of newly synthesized virus particlesHeadache; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Diarrhea; Stomach pain; Rash; Itching
ArbidolOral200 mg3 times a day10 daysGenerally used in Russia and China; inhibiting membrane fusion; In vitro anti-COVID-19 effects at a concentration of 10-30 µMNone
FavipiravirOral500 mg on the initial day; Two doses of 600 mg for 13 days in combination with aerosol inhalation of interferon-alpha (five million units two times a day)14Specifically inhibiting the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) in influenza virus and demonstrable effects against various viruses like yellow fever virus, Zika virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, and West Nile virusReduced body weight; Vomiting; Reduced locomotor activity
RemdesivirOral200 mg on the first day; 100 mg once a day as the maintenance dose10-dayClassified as nucleotide analogs (1′-cyano-substituted adenosine nucleotide analog); Against various RNA viruses; Reducing viral RNA production by interfering with the activity of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and evading proofreading by viral exoribonuclease (ExoN); Causing premature termination Increased liver enzymes; Nausea; Vomiting
DarunavirOral300 μMAntiretroviral protease inhibitor; Treatment and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)Nausea; Vomiting; Diarrhea; Stomach pain Headache; Rash
AzithromycinOral500 mg on the first day; 250 mg daily for five days6 daysCombination of hydroxychloroquine (200 mg X 3 daily for a course of 10 days) in addition to Azithromycin as a broad-spectrum antibiotic Diarrhea or loose stool; Nausea; Abdominal pain; Stomach upset; Vomiting; Constipation; Dizziness; Tiredness
Teicoplanin8.78 µM dose of 400 mg per dayTreatment of Staphylococcal infections; Inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.66 µMRashes; Fever; Pruritus; Diarrhea; Nausea; Vomiting
CorticosteroidTreating viral pneumoniaIbuprofen increases the expression of ACE2, possibly worsening the symptoms of patients with COVID-19; Glaucoma; Fluid retention Swelling in lower legs; High blood pressure; Psychological effects
Convalescent plasmaUsed for Spanish influenza epidemic; Argentine hemorrhagic fever; severe acute respiratory syndrome, and; Ebola; Mild allergic reactions; Problems with the heart or lungs; Infection

2. Method

All articles in PubMed containing keywords COVID-19, virus, and drug were collected using the search builder software. Then, filtering was performed based on the presence of keywords in the title and abstract of the articles. Finally, from the articles in the created library, the related information was extracted and compared, and conclusions were made.

2.1. Antiviral Treatment

The antiviral treatment options under examination include Interferon α (IFN-α), Lopinavir/ritonavir, Chloroquine, Chloroquine phosphate, Hydroxychloroquine, Ribavirin, Arbidol, Favipiravir, Remdesivir, Darunavir, Imatinib, etc. Some of these medicines have been suggested for use in the most recent version of the Guidelines for the Treatment of COVID-19 by the WHO (23, 24). Each of these candidate products is considered in detail as follows.

2.2. Interferon-α

Interferon-α (IFN-α) is a broad-spectrum antiviral immune protein (19). It is frequently applied for hepatitis treatment; however, it can reportedly suppress the in vitro reproduction of SARS-CoV (25). Viral load can be diminished by interferon-α at the early stages of infection, which subsequently proceeds to relieve clinical manifestations and truncate the period of infection (19, 26). The major administration method is vapor inhalation, and the recommended usage is as follows:

1. Nebulization: 200,000-400,000 IU/kg or 2-4 μg/kg interferon-α in 2 mL sterile water is used; nebulization is carried out twice a day for a course of 5-7 days (27, 28);

2. Spray: This method is used for high-risk patients with close contact with patients who are suspected of being infected with COVID-19 or during the primary stages of manifestations in the upper respiratory tract. The guideline is to administer 1-2 sprays for each of the two nasal cavities and 8–10 sprays on the oropharynx. A dose of 8000 IU should be used in each injection, and each injection is carried out once every 1-2 hours; a total of 8-10 sprays per day are applied for 5-7 days (27, 28).

2.3. Lopinavir/Ritonavir

Lopinavir/Ritonavir has been used in adult patients infected with COVID-19 pneumonia (29). The efficacy and side effects have not been determined. Lopinavir/Ritonavir is a drug used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children over 14 days of age when used in combination with other protocols (30-32). The efficiency dosage of Lopinavir/Ritonavir is 200 mg/50 mg/capsule, two capsules each time, two times/day with oral administration (21, 27, 29, 33, 34) (Table 2).

Table 2.

Major Potential Drug Properties Against COVID-19

ClassificationReasoning for UtilizeMechanism of ActionProof/TryProbable Side Effects
ChloroquineAntimalarialIn vitro activity with immunomodulating actionsstopping viral enzymes and inhibiting processes of viral DNA and RNA polymerase, viral protein glycosylation, virus assembly, new virus particle transport, and virus release, Inhibition of cell receptor ACE2Pre-clinical analysis for the process of definitive decision against COVID-19. There have been some limited uses in clinical assessmentsRisk of cardiac arrhythmias and retinal damage; It can be dangerous in G6PD deficiency and diabetic conditions
HydroxychloroquineAntimalarial agentIn vitro activity with immunomodulating actionsStopping of viral enzymes and inhibiting the processes of viral DNA and RNA polymerase, viral protein glycosylation, virus assembly, new virus particle transport, and virus release. Inhibition of cell receptor ACE2Pre-clinical analysis for the process of definitive decision against COVID-19. There have been some limited uses in clinical assessments. It can be more effective from chloroquine.Risk of cardiac arrhythmias and retinal damage. It can be dangerous in G6PD deficiency and diabetic conditions.
Lopinavir; RitonavirHIV protease inhibitorIn vitro and animal modelsBinding to the main protease of the virus, Mpro; it can be suppress coronavirus activity.Pre-clinical and a retrospective cohort study has been done.Risk of cardiac arrhythmias
RemdesivirNucleoside analogIn vitro activityIt acts as an inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps)Several clinical trials are currently being conductedGastrointestinal side effects

2.4. Ribavirin

Ribavirin is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug act by the mechanism of nucleoside analog (30, 35). Ribavirin is administrated via intravenous infusion (36, 37). For adults, the efficiency dose of Ribavirin is 500 mg, 2-3 times per day when used along with IFN-α or Lopinavir/ritonavir (37, 38).

2.5. Chloroquine, Chloroquine Phosphate, and Hydroxychloroquine

Chloroquine is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug, but it is most commonly used as an antimalarial drug (39). Chloroquine was discovered to obstruct COVID-19 infection by inhibiting viral enzymes such as DNA and RNA polymerase or viral processes, including assembly, protein glycosylation, transport of newly synthesized virus particles, and virus release at a low-micromolar concentration (24, 40). The half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) and half-cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of Chloroquine were found to be 1.13 μM and greater than 100 mM, respectively (24, 41). The phosphate salt portion of chloroquine is called chloroquine phosphate. Indeed chloroquine, which as a quinolone interferes with the biosynthesis of nucleic acids, is, in fact, used for the treatment of malarial infections or inflammation (42, 43). It is administered orally with an efficacy dose of 500 mg (300 mg for chloroquine), twice a day for adults (42, 43). Hydroxychloroquine has in vitro activity against COVID-19 by inhibiting viral enzymes such as DNA and RNA polymerase or viral processes, including assembly, protein glycosylation, and transport of newly synthesized virus particles (21, 41, 43-45). Hydroxychloroquine is administered as oral tablets. Its efficacy dose is 400 mg two times on the first day, followed by 200 mg two times a day for four days (21, 41, 43-45) (Table 2).

2.6. Arbidol

Arbidol is a Russian-made antiviral drug for influenza infection, generally used in Russia and China (46). Arbidol inhibits membrane fusion (46). Arbidol impedes the interaction between the virus and its target host cells through inhibiting the viral capsid-target cell membrane fusion, thereby hindering the entry of the virus into the target cell (46). Arbidol has an in vitro anti-COVID-19 effect at a concentration of 10-30 µM (47).

It is administered orally, and its efficacy dose for adults is 200 mg three times a day. The maximum period of treatment is 10 days (47).

2.7. Favipiravir

Favipiravir specifically inhibits the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) in the influenza virus and has a demonstrable effect against various viruses like yellow fever virus, Zika virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, and West Nile virus; it is, therefore, a candidate for producing broad-spectrum effects against SARS-CoV-2 (48, 49). Favipiravir is currently undergoing clinical trials and in vitro analysis in treating COVID-19 (21, 47). Favipiravir is considered a prodrug that becomes active following metabolization and conversion into the phosphoribosylated form (favipiravir-RTP) in cells. This drug inhibits the activity of viral RNA polymerase when recognized by this enzyme as substrate (21, 47, 49). It is administered orally, and its efficacy dose is 500 mg on the initial day of treatment followed by two doses of 600 mg for 13 days, in combination with aerosol inhalation of interferon-alpha (five million units two times a day) (21, 47).

2.8. Remdesivir

A novel drug against viruses, remdesivir, is classified as a nucleotide analog (1’-cyano-substituted adenosine nucleotide analog) with a broad-spectrum antiviral effect, especially against various RNA viruses (50). As a prodrug, remdesivir is converted into its active form GS-441524 (51). GS-441524, as an analog of the adenosine nucleotide, can reduce viral RNA production by interfering with the activity of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and evading proofreading by viral exoribonuclease (ExoN) (50, 51). Premature termination is observed following the incorporation of remdesivir into nascent viral RNA chains. This drug was first developed by Gilead Sciences and is used for the treatment of Ebola, Marburg, and COVID-19 infections (21, 27, 40). Remdesivir can potentially treat COVID-19. Remdesivir can effectively block COVID-19 infection at low micromolar concentrations > 100 μ (21, 27, 52).

It has been shown that this drug can inhibit SARS-CoV [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.069 μM] and MERS-CoV (IC50 = 0.074 μM) replication (27, 52, 53). In Vero E6 cells, an EC50 of 0.77 μM was calculated for remdesivir, while the EC90 was 1.76 μM in the inhibition of COVID-19 (53-55). The administration route is intravenous (IV) the efficacy dose is 200 mg on the first day as the loading dose, and 100 mg once a day as the maintenance dose, and the therapeutic duration is 10 days (Table 2) (27, 53-55).

2.9. Darunavir

Darunavir is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor. Darunavir is an N, N-disubstituted benzenesulfonamide harboring an unsubstituted amino group at the 4-position used in the treatment and prevention of HIV infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (56, 57). In vitro experiments indicated that viral replication is significantly inhibited by 300 μM darunavir (29, 58). Darunavir is being studied as a possible treatment for SARS-CoV-2 due to in vitro evidence supporting its ability to combat the infection (58, 59). Clinical trials are underway and expected to conclude in August 2020 (58, 59).

2.10. Other Potential Drugs

The other candidates for treating COVID-19 include saquinavir, indinavir, shikonin, ebselen, atazanavir, carfilzomib, tipranavir, fosamprenavir, cyclosporin A, presatovir, enzaplatovir, abacavir, carmofur, bortezomib, maribavir, raltegravir, elvitegravir, montelukast, deoxyrhapontin, polydatin, chalcone, disulfiram, tideglusib, PX- 12, TDZD-8, and cinanserin (60-64). Imatinib, as an inhibitor of type II transmembrane serine protease (TMSPSS2) and BCR-ABL kinase, inhibits the fusion of virions with the endosomal membrane (62, 64). Furthermore, Chinese herbs including Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati and Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis possibly have active ingredients that may be efficient against COVID-19 (65-67).

2.11. Antibiotic Therapy/Azithromycin/Teicoplanin

Antibiotic resistance may lead to more COVID-19 deaths in relation to bacterial superinfections (68). In response to this risk, antibiotic therapy is used in supportive care (69). In one experimental protocol, a combination of hydroxychloroquine (200 mg X 3 daily for a course of 10 days), in addition to Azithromycin as a broad-spectrum antibiotic (500 mg on the first day, followed by 250 mg daily for five days), was used in COVID-19 infection in France (44, 70).

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is ordinarily utilized for the treatment of Staphylococcal infections. It was discovered to be active against SARS-CoV in vitro; therefore, it could be a candidate for being included in the list of therapeutic agents used against COVID-19. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of this drug was 1.66 µM, being much lower than the concentration in human blood (8.78 µM dose of 400 mg per day) (71, 72).

2.12. Corticosteroid Therapy

Corticosteroid therapy is an unsuitable choice to treat viral pneumonia; however, it may be advantageous if used in the early acute phase of infection (73, 74). Corticosteroid therapy is a risk factor in systemic use in patients suffering from refractory shock or acute respiratory distress syndrome (73, 74). Caution should be practiced during usage (73, 74). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is assessing the utilization of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients showing COVID-19 symptoms (75, 76). These drugs potentially have various side effects. For example, ibuprofen has been found to increase the expression of ACE2, which may worsen the symptoms in patients inflicted with COVID-19 (75-77). Corticosteroid therapy examples include acetaminophen used for temperature control and methylprednisolone used as an appropriate drug for patients with rapid disease progression (4, 76, 78, 79).

2.13. COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma

The therapeutic approach of “convalescent-plasma therapy” includes the plasma transfusion of components, including antibodies from the people who have recovered from COVID-19 into the patients who are suffering from an infection or deemed to be at high risk (80, 81). Convalescent plasma has a long history. It was first attempted on a few patients in 1918 during the Spanish influenza epidemic, and it also decreased the mortality rate from 16% to about 1% among patients suffering from the Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Furthermore, the use of plasma therapy reduced the hospitalization period among patients in Hong Kong suffering from the severe acute respiratory syndrome, and this therapy has also been employed for Ebola treatment (82-84). In convalescent-plasma therapy for COVID-19, plasma must only be collected from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, based on the premise that plasma transfusion protocols may contain antibodies against the virus (80, 81, 85). This method is not intended for the prevention of infection (80). The optimal ratio of > 1:320 of neutralizing antibody titers may be transferred. Currently, there is a clinical report from Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, China, from January 20, 2020, to March 25, 2020, where the best results have been documented, and clinical manifestations were compared with patients before and after convalescent plasma transfusion (80, 86).

3. Conclusion

Given the deteriorating conditions in the world due to COVID-19 infection, as well as the possible delays in the production of specific drugs and vaccines, examining the effects of drugs already used in the treatment of viral diseases can help manage the current situation. Although these drugs can have a variety of side effects, in many cases, these side effects can be negligible for saving the patient's life. The true effect of these drugs on COVID-19 disease can be confirmed after careful, extensive studies.

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