The emergence of COVID-19 from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) drove researchers worldwide to explore various therapeutic interventions. COVID-19 drugs help alleviate symptoms and halt disease progression while enhancing patient recovery outcomes. This article explores the various COVID-19 medications by detailing their functioning principles and approved treatment options.
What Are COVID-19 Drugs and Their Importance?
COVID-19 drugs encompass antiviral agents, immunomodulators, and supportive treatments designed to combat the virus, alleviate symptoms, and prevent severe complications. Individuals with a high risk of severe disease progression require these drugs for protection, especially among elderly patients and those who are immunocompromised.
How Do Antiviral Agents Work Against COVID-19?
Antiviral drugs work by interfering with multiple steps in the viral life cycle to block the replication of SARS-CoV-2. The primary antiviral agents include:
- Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir)
The antiviral drug Paxlovid works by combining nirmatrelvir and ritonavir to block SARS-CoV-2's main protease and stop viral replication. Ritonavir functions as a metabolic inhibitor, which reduces the breakdown speed of nirmatrelvir, thus extending its antiviral effects. Paxlovid is delivered through oral administration and intended for patients aged 12 years or older who have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 but face potential progression to severe illness.
| Catalog | Product Name | |
| ACM2628280408 | PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir) | Inquiry |
| ACM155213675 | Ritonavir | Inquiry |
Remdesivir (Veklury)
Remdesivir functions as a nucleotide analog prodrug that disrupts viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity and halts RNA synthesis in viruses. This medication requires intravenous infusion, and doctors can prescribe it to both patients admitted to hospitals and those not hospitalized who show mild-to-moderate symptoms yet face a risk of developing severe disease. Patients should receive treatment for three to ten days based on how severe their disease is.
| Catalog | Product Name | |
| ACM1809249373 | Remdesivir | Inquiry |
Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)
Molnupiravir incorporates itself into viral RNA, inducing mutations that impair viral replication. The oral antiviral medication is approved for high-risk adults who have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms and lack access to alternative treatments.
How Do Immunomodulatory Agents Support COVID-19 Treatment?
COVID-19 induces hyperinflammatory responses, necessitating immunomodulatory agents to mitigate excessive immune reactions.
Corticosteroids (Dexamethasone)
Dexamethasone is widely used to reduce inflammation in severe COVID-19 cases, particularly in patients requiring oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. It helps decrease mortality rates by modulating cytokine storm effects.
Baricitinib (Olumiant)
Baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, reduces inflammation by blocking the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. It is administered orally in hospitalized patients requiring supplemental oxygen or non-invasive ventilation.
| Catalog | Product Name | |
| ACM1187594097 | Baricitinib | Inquiry |
Tocilizumab
Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, thereby suppressing inflammatory cytokine production. It is approved for use in critically ill COVID-19 patients with systemic inflammation.
Fig.1 Schematic representation of the immunomodulators' site of action[1].
What Are the Challenges in COVID-19 Drug Development?
The swift genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 create major obstacles for effective drug development. Although Evusheld and Bebtelovimab were initially effective monoclonal antibodies, they have lost their usefulness against new virus variants because of changes in their antigenic properties. Scientists must maintain ongoing research efforts to create innovative therapeutic solutions.
Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and ivermectin were first investigated as possible COVID-19 treatments. Clinical trials revealed these treatments to be ineffective and potentially harmful, which caused regulatory bodies such as the FDA to withdraw their emergency use authorizations.
The treatment of COVID-19 with specific drugs significantly lowers both disease severity and patient mortality rates. Alfa Chemistry continues to focus its efforts on advancing pharmaceutical research and development for infectious disease solutions. We are a professional supplier of COVID-19 drug raw materials. For high quality products, custom synthesis, professional technical service, and use suggestion, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
- Rizk J. G., et al. Pharmaco-Immunomodulatory Therapy in COVID-19. Drugs (2020).
