Computational Models Identify Several FDA Approved or Experimental Drugs as Putative Agents Against SARS-CoV-2

Experimental Models of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Possible Platforms to Study COVID-19 Pathogenesis and Potential Treatments

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus crossed species barriers to infect humans and was effectively transmitted from person to person, leading including vaccines and antiviral drugs that could prevent or limit the burden or transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global health priority. It is thus of utmost importance to assess possible therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 using experimental models that recapitulate aspects of the human disease. Here, we review available models currently being developed and used to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlight their application to screen potential therapeutic approaches, including repurposed antiviral drugs and vaccines. Each identified model provides a valuable insight into SARS-CoV-2 cellular tropism, replication kinetics, and cell damage that could ultimately enhance understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and protective immunity. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Are open-source approaches the most efficient way forward for COVID-19 drug discovery?

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed the production of potential antivirals and vaccines from research organizations across the globe. The initial step for all drug discovery models is the identification of suitable targets. One approach organizations may take to tackle this involves issuing raw data publicly for collaboration with other organizations in order to spark discussion, collectively experiment and stay up to date with advances in scientific knowledge. Areas covered: Numerous organizations have released genomic data, amongst other tools, for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and this has led to the development of growing datasets of knowledge for continued collaboration amongst different scientific communities. A different technique employs a more closed, market-driven method in order to stay ahead financially in the race for developing a suitable antiviral or vaccine. The latter allows sustained motivation for company ambitions and progress has been made toward clinical trials for potential drugs. Expert opinion: A case can be made for both open and closed drug discovery models; however, due to the rapidly evolving nature of this deadly virus, organizations should collate their research and support one another to ensure satisfactory treatment can be approved in a timely manner.

Discovery of Synergistic and Antagonistic Drug Combinations against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro

COVID-19 is undoubtedly the most impactful viral disease of the current century, afflicting millions worldwide. As yet, there is not an approved vaccine, as well as limited options from existing drugs for treating this disease. We hypothesized that combining drugs with independent mechanisms of action could result in synergy against SARS-CoV-2. Using in silico approaches, we prioritized 73 combinations of 32 drugs with potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 and then tested them in vitro . Overall, we identified 16 synergistic and 8 antagonistic combinations, 4 of which were both synergistic and antagonistic in a dose-dependent manner. Among the 16 synergistic cases, combinations of nitazoxanide with three other compounds (remdesivir, amodiaquine and umifenovir) were the most notable, all exhibiting significant synergy against SARS-CoV-2. The combination of nitazoxanide, an FDA-approved drug, and remdesivir, FDA emergency use authorization for the treatment of COVID-19, demonstrate a strong synergistic interaction. Notably, the combination of remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine demonstrated strong antagonism. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of both drug repurposing and preclinical testing of drug combinations for potential therapeutic use against SARS-CoV-2 infections.