Overview of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak and Potential Therapeutic Strategies

The increasing severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains an urgent global issue to be addressed. Despite several heroic and concerted efforts, morbidity and mortality continue to increase. Providing a therapeutic respite in the form of an effective antiviral agent and, potentially, a vaccine remains an uphill task. The SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, with an unusual potential for rapid reproduction and mutation, transmitted majorly through aerosols. The virus replicates in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, which accounts for its early symptoms. Multiple organs can be affected and can also be asymptomatic. SARS-CoV-2 has genomic similitude to the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viruses, being members of the same family, Betacoronaviridae. These similarities have been explored as potential therapeutic targets. Developing a drug at a pandemic speed usually involves initial drug repurposing strategies, and the ongoing pandemic has not been an exception. With notable recruitments ranging from the old antimalarial agent, Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine, to the macrolide Azithromycin, to ACE inhibitors, to antiviral agents like Lopinavir/Ritonavir and more recently, the RNA polymerase inhibitor, Remdesivir, the search is still ongoing. Sourcing from highly reputable reports and studies conducted so far, this review elaborates on the biology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, highlighting its structure, shared genetic similarities and variants, with respect to being potential therapeutic targets, as well as a commentary on the therapeutic approaches that have been explored in the quest to develop an effective antiviral agent.