Approaches for the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Pharmacologic View and Literature Review

The emergence of a novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) inducing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was identified in Hubei province of China in December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide as pandemic and became a public health concern. COVID-19 disease is caused by a new virus known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), which has recently offered many challenges and efforts to identify effective drugs for its prevention and treatment. Currently, there is no proven effective approach and medication against this virus. Quickly expanding clinical trials and studies on Coronavirus disease 2019 increase our knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 virus and introduce several potential drugs targeting virus moiety or host cell elements. Overall, 3 stages were suggested for SARS-CoV-2 infection according to the disease severity, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes, including mild, moderate, and severe. This review aimed to classify and summarize several medications and potential therapies according to the disease 3 stages; however, it is worth noting that no medication and therapy has been effective so far.