Anti COVID-19 Drugs: Need for More Clinical Evidence and Global Action

• DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01351-9
• Publication Date: 2020-04-29T09:04:31Z
• Authors: Zakir Khan; Yusuf Karataş; Hazir Rahman
• Keywords: Hydroxychloroquine; Lopinavir; Ritonavir; Pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) called the outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) a "Public Emergency International Concern" (PHEIC). According to WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Food Drug Administration (FDA), currently there are no medicines or vaccines that have been claimed be useful in prevention treatment COVID-19. Several existing antiviral drugs, previously developed used as treatments severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East (MERS), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, being investigated COVID-19 some them clinical trials. CDC Chinese guidelines COVID-19, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, one investigational agents (remdesivir) recommended critically ill older patients. use other potential drugs reported different studies may considered if with first-line is ineffective. There complete data available from large randomized trials (RCTs) provide guidance on use, dosing, duration validate effective role, safety profile, adverse effects all trial prophylaxis Until now, it still unclear which drug can successfully fight against disease. Therefore, better patients further controlled needed drugs. Such measure requires action at global level.