Coronavirus Cure: Top 7 COVID-19 Antiviral Drugs And Vaccines That Everyone Should Keep An Eye On

More than 20 major pharmaceutical companies around the world are in the race to develop and seek approval for antiviral drugs, vaccines and therapies that could potentially end the infection caused by the novel coronavirus.

In addition to the pharmaceutical giants, a lot of small startups have also stepped forward to join the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than 2 million people around the world and claimed more than 100,000 lives.

There are no vaccines or therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so far to treat COVID-19 patients. An emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate was, however, given by the federal agency in March 2020.

Several companies in the U.S., including Amgen, Pfizer, BioNTech SE, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson&Johnson are working in the clinical trials for potential vaccines against the novel coronavirus. While many companies are funding trials by themselves or in association with life sciences companies, a majority of them have secured funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

More than 70 vaccines and drugs are currently being tested across the world for its potential use for coronavirus treatment. However, the clinical trials ate still as an early-stage and it may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months before we have a clear picture of where do we stand against the pandemic.

Here is a curated list of the most popular vaccines and drugs that could potentially make coronavirus treatment possible.

1. Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine

This extremely popular anti-malarial drug has been tested before during many outbreaks. The properties and side effects of this low-cost generic drug are well-known. Currently, trials are in place to check for the viability of Hydroxychloroquine against coronavirus infection. The drug is produced by several companies, including Novartis AG, Sanofi, Bayer AG, and NatcoPharma. India is one of the biggest exporters of Hydroxychloroquine in the world.

2. Convalescent plasma (TAK-888) by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.

The plasma of the patients who have recovered from coronavirus is though to carry infection-fighting antibodies. It is currently being studied whether plasma therapy can help patients with serious coronavirus infection, similar to how it has helped with the treatment of other serious infections in the past.

3. MRNA-1273 vaccine by ModernaInc.

The Phase I 45-patient clinical trial is currently being executed and is expected to conclude Jun 1, 2021. However, early results from a few patients are expected to be out in May or June this year. The company is planning to seek $483 million in funding from the U.S. government to develop and test the vaccine.

4. INO-4800 by Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The experimental vaccination uses DNA to elicit an immune response in the patients. The vaccination trial has been kicked off in April and a larger study is expected to be announced by the end of 2020. The company has partnered with Beijing Advaccine Biotechnology to initiate the trial in China.

5. NVX-CoV2373 by Novavax

The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is expected to work by creating antibodies against the spike-like projections or proteins present on the surface of the virus. All viruses use this spike-like structures to attach to the host cells.

A strong immune response in animals has paved the way for a human trial, which is expected to begin mid-May.

6. Ad5-nCoV by CanSino Biologics Inc.

This vaccination by CanSino has been genetically engineered with a mutant virus with no potential for replication. The first phase of the study was completed in April and the company says that a large mid-study is expected to start soon.

7. Favipiravir by Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co.

Favipiravir is a popular flu medicine sold by the name Avigan in Japan. This drug targets the genetic material of the virus to stop its replication.

A study has already been completed in March in 80 patients and the results seem promising. According to the researchers, Favipiravir helped clear virus from the patients one week earlier than the HIV drug cocktail being used world-wide to manage the infection.