The Covid-19 took the World by storm. It first broke out in China, and then it spread fast across the World. At the time of writing this, there are 2.9 million cases worldwide, 203, 000 deaths, and more than 800,000 recoveries. Some countries are experiencing a slowdown in the rate of infections, while others are witnessing a steady growth. However, according to WHO, the first wave just ended, and Countries should brace themselves for the next wave. As an initiative towards the treatment of the Coronavirus, scientists are coming up with a vaccine. However, this vaccine will not be ready for at least one year. At the rate that the virus is spreading, a lot of infections will have occurred.
Luckily, scientists have been testing the currently available drugs and repurposing them in the treatment of the Coronavirus. From Ebola drugs, malaria drugs, to Flu treatments, over 70 drugs are in trials. Below are some of them.
Malaria drug – Chloroquine/Hydroxycholoroquine
Chloroquine/Hydroxycholoroquine are FDA approved for the treatment of Lupus, Malaria, and some forms of Arthritis. However, recent studies have shown that it can help treat coronavirus. In 2005, it was effective in stopping the spread of SARS-CoV, a similar virus to the SARS-CoV-2 (the Covid-19). It prevented the growth of the virus cells in the human body. This drug is trial in the USA, South Korea, China, and France. So far, it’s effectiveness in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 look promising. However, these studies were not clinical; therefore, its relationship to the full recovery of a covid-19 patient is not conclusive. It also has some possible side effects for people with kidney failure, and it also causes heart rhythm problems.
Antiviral EIDD-2801
It’s an oral antiviral drug effective in stopping the coronavirus in human cells during test-tube cells. It was also effective in mice. Unlike some drugs that are just stopping the spread, this antiviral leads to several mutations that make it more difficult for the covid-i9 to affect human cells. It’s also easy to administer, by swallowing a pill. It’s not just useful in dealing with SARS-CoV-2, but also with other RNA viruses. There no human tests yet, but if the test-tube tests are anything to go by, this may be one of the best breakthroughs in curing this pandemic. Human trials will begin in the next couple of months after Ridgeback Biotherapeutics received the green light from the FDA.
Favipiravir/Avigan
Favipiravir/Avigan is a flu drug from Japan. It has been effective in treating influenza flu. Recently, it was tested and was effective in preventing the replication of the Covid-19 virus. It also shortens the lifespan of this virus and improves the patient’s lungs. By doing this, it reduces the time in which the patients experience coughs and fevers.
Actemra/Tocilizumab
Covid-19 may not be that harmful to some people by itself. But for people with specific types of immune systems, such as cancer patients, it can be devastating. It causes an overreaction that could even lead to death. Actemra is often used to treat such immune systems overreactions by inhibiting the production of cytokine, the protein that’s responsible for the immune system overreactions. Scientists believe that they can replicate such a reaction in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2. The tests are already in-play in several countries, and this drug has improved the situations of several patients. More conclusive results are underway and will be released soon.
Remdesivir
This drug may have failed in treating Ebola, but it is proving to be effective in treating SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Scientists are also positive; they can achieve excellent results in the treatment of the Coronavirus. It was the most promising drug against coronavirus a few weeks ago. As a result, it’s currently in low supply since a lot of people have purchased it. It’s now being administered on compassionate grounds, meaning that only people with severe symptoms can receive it. Some tests did show the patient’s health improved, but other tests showed that it might not be that effective. A recent report by WHO revealed that the much-hyped drug might not be that effective after all. That report is no longer accessible. Since more tests are still underway, there’s hope it has some benefits in curing this pandemic.
Conclusion
These are the most promising drugs so far in the treatment of the Coronavirus, but many more are in trials. However, before taking any of these drugs, you should consult a Doctor. Some of them may cause harmful reactions, especially when you’re under other medications. The results are also not conclusive, so the world is still waiting to get facts on each drug. Hopefully, they will be able to inhibit the virus before the second wave hits.
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