Table 1 Summary of promising therapies against severe SARS-CoV-2
Therapy | Mechanism of action | Clinical trial | Clinical trial results |
|---|---|---|---|
Convalescent Plasma | Passive immunity via neutralizing antibodies against the infectious pathogen | NCT04373460 NCT04383535 NCT04884477 | Reduced the risk of disease progression leading to hospitalization in the unvaccinated Mortality benefit in immunocompromised patients with COVID-19 |
Allocetra | Reprogramming of diseased macrophages | NCT04590053 NCT04513470.18/21 | Early recovery Reduction in hospital stay Increased survival in patients with mild-to-severe ARDS |
Monoclonal antibodies (Tixagevimab–Cilgavimab) | Blocks viral attachment and entry into human cells | NCT04625725 | Reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 Reduction severe and critical cases of COVID-19 Reduced mortality Minimal side effects |
Peginterferon lambda | Derivative of naturally made interferons that block viral replication | NCT04354259 | Reduced viral load No significant side effects |
Baricitinib & Remdesivir | Baricitinib-JAK inhibitor interfering with the JAK-STAT pathway Remdesivir- nucleoside analog that inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase | NCT04401579 NCT04421027 | Reduced recovery time Quicker improvement in clinical status especially in patients receiving ventilatory support Combination associated with fewer serious adverse events Reduction in mortality |
Sarilumab/Tocilizumab | Monoclonal antibody that binds to IL-6 Receptor reducing inflammation | NCT04357860 NCT02735707 | Reduction in mortality Reduction in the need for organ-support Improved clinical outcomes |
Anakinra | IL-1 Receptor antagonist | NCT04318366 IRCT20120703010178N20 | Reduced mortality Reduced the need for mechanical ventilation Decreased hospital stay Decreased ICU stay |
Bevacizumab | Humanized vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor antibody | NCT04275414 | Improved blood oxygen levels within 24Â h of administration Reduced duration of supportive oxygen Reduction in inflammation No deaths No severe safety concerns |
Exosomal Therapy | Immune modulation and/or suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines | NCT04384445 NCT04657406 NCT04276987 | Symptomatic resolution with no disease progression by Day 30 Reduction in inflammation No adverse events |
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy | Stem cell therapy with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, antimicrobial, anti-viral, and fibrinolytic effects | NCT04366830 NCT04389450 NCT04614025 NCT04355728 NCT04371393 | Reduction in inflammation Quicker time to extubation and hospital discharge Reduction of in-hospital mortality Few adverse events |