Classification of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatments and Drugs Based on Mechanism of Action, Efficacy, and Safety

The recently discovered coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has forced countries into lockdown, people into quarantines, and economies to a standstill. Currently there are no FDA approved treatments for COVID-19, the disease caused by this new coronavirus strain. With over 2.8 million cases in the US as of July 3 and a death rate of approximately 5.9%, an effective treatment is urgently needed (Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2020). To date there are few comprehensive reviews of therapeutic options for COVID-19. Here we present the general types and mechanisms of action for drugs currently available or in rapid development. This paper highlights FDA approved drugs that can be repurposed and therefore used immediately to test for coronavirus efficacy as well as novel drugs and vaccines specifically targeted to COVID-19 vulnerabilities.