Open AccessA comparative analysis of remdesivir and other repurposed antivirals against SARS‐CoV‐2
Author(s) -
Simonis Alexander,
Theobald Sebastian J,
Fätkenheuer Gerd,
Rybniker Jan,
Malin Jakob J
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
embo molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.923
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1757-4684
pISSN - 1757-4676
DOI - 10.15252/emmm.202013105
Subject(s) - repurposing , drug repositioning , covid-19 , virology , pandemic , viral replication , medicine , ebolavirus , biology , virus , pharmacology , drug , ebola virus , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , pathology , ecology
The ongoing SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic stresses the need for effective antiviral drugs that can quickly be applied in order to reduce morbidity, mortality, and ideally viral transmission. By repurposing of broadly active antiviral drugs and compounds that are known to inhibit viral replication of related viruses, several advances could be made in the development of treatment strategies against COVID‐19. The nucleoside analog remdesivir, which is known for its potent in vitro activity against Ebolavirus and other RNA viruses, was recently shown to reduce the time to recovery in patients with severe COVID‐19. It is to date the only approved antiviral for treating COVID‐19. Here, we provide a mechanism and evidence‐based comparative review of remdesivir and other repurposed drugs with proven in vitro activity against SARS‐CoV‐2.