An overview of the development of pharmacotherapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2

Drug Discov Today. 2024 Sep;29(9):104126. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104126. Epub 2024 Aug 2.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic in March 2020, which precipitated urgent public health responses. The causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, spreads primarily via respiratory droplets, necessitating precautions to mitigate transmission risks. Biopharmaceutical industries and academic institutions worldwide swiftly redirected their research endeavors towards developing therapeutic interventions, focusing on monoclonal antibodies, antiviral agents, and immunomodulatory therapies. The evolving body of evidence surrounding these treatments has prompted successive updates and revisions from the FDA, delineating the evolving landscape of COVID-19 therapeutics. This review comprehensively examines each treatment modality within the context of their developmental trajectories and regulatory approvals throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, it elucidates their mechanisms of action and presents clinical data underpinning their utility in combating the COVID-19 crisis.

Keywords: Antiviral and immunomodulatory agents; Monoclonal antibodies; Pharmacotherapeutics; SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents* / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19*
  • Drug Development* / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulating Agents / pharmacology
  • Immunomodulating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2* / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunomodulating Agents