Scientists and physicians are testing different types of vaccines and drugs to save people from the global epidemic of Covid-19. The immediate availability of vaccines and medicines has made it difficult to control Coronavirus infection. However, scientists are working hard to find a quick solution.
Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
On March 18, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to use hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to be given to malaria patients against Covid-19. The US government has since said it is preparing to send 30 million doses of hydroxychloroquine and 1 million doses of chloroquine to the market. But a week later, EU officials said there was no evidence that drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine were effective against Covid-19. In April last year, the FDA reported that the use of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine could cause heart problems. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) also reported that chloroquine could not be used because 24 people died of irregular heartbeats and two daily doses. Therefore, the use of both drugs for the control of Covid-19 is still in doubt.
Remedivisir
Remedesivir, an antiviral Covid-19 tested against Ebola in 2014, has also been tested. Although not effective against Ebola, studies have shown that the antiviral can prevent the virus from spreading in the body. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, tests conducted in mid-April showed some positive symptoms. However, countries other than the United States have not advanced its testing and use, saying there are not enough studies.
Kaletra
Kaletra is an antiviral given to HIV positive (AIDS) patients. This antiviral, which is a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir, is also being tested against Covid-19.
Favipiravir
It is a medicine given to influenza patients. Although China has reportedly tested the drug against Covid-19, no further details have been released about its effectiveness.
From arbidol to antibody
Arbidol is being tested in combination with two other drugs. Further investigation is underway. And, the results have not been made public. Studies are also being conducted on treatment modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies, blood plasma transfer, stem cells, and immunostaining. It is not uncommon for some of the treatments tested on the infected to have positive results. However, scientists estimate that it will still take time for vaccines and medicines to be developed to treat the coronavirus.