AN UPDATED REVIEW OF POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENTS AGAINST COVID-19

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern caused by a novel coronavirus, i.e., Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since it is a new virus, an effective remedy against the virus is yet unknown. SARS-CoV-2 is a member of order nidovirales, family coronaviridae. Previously known treatment strategies against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes are being tested for their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, various clinical and observational studies aimed at identifying potential therapies against the disease. In our study, we reviewed various drugs along with their mechanism of action, including anti-virals, anti-bacterials, glucocorticoids, ACE inhibitors, anti retrovirals, antimalarials, monoclonal antibodies, plasma, and many more. Individual drugs are described and evaluated for their potential to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.This study offers a brief review of the findings of trials conducted so far. Dexamethasone, convalescent plasma therapy, tocilizumab, remdesivir, and combination therapies are found to be beneficial against SARS-CoV-2. Keywords: Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, treatment, therapeutic agents, drug