Chapter 5

Anti-infective Agents against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV- 2)

Ramadevi Mohan and Subhashree Venugopal*

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, a newly identified coronavirus, causes the coronavirus disease of 2019 usually termed COVID-19 and is considered a pandemic and spreads by zoonotic transmission. The human coronavirus SARS CoV2 is similar to SARS CoV and MERS CoV both belonging to the β-coronavirus group but the mild differences between them influence the greater pathogenicity in SARS-CoV-2. The virus produces 4 clinically important proteins that are responsible for host-cell receptor attachment, suppression of host gene expression, and replication leading to multiple infections. It is much important to get insights into the essence of the virus and the virus-induced disease. Since the viruses have the ability to mutate quickly, the discovery of drugs against the virus is challenging. However, many scientists and researchers across the world are working hopefully to discover drugs or vaccines to slow down or stop the replication process of the virus. The repurposing of existing drugs has gained importance as it reduces time and cost-effectiveness during the drugdiscovery process and development. In this chapter, we have highlighted the on-going researches on drugs against SARS-CoV-2 which are under various phases of a clinical trial. These include various FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration) inhibitors such as protease inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors, antimalarial drugs, rheumatoid drugs, and lipid- lowering statins.

Total Pages: 164-196 (33)

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