Several new options to treat and prevent Covid-19, maybe fully avoiding death

OK, so, the last few weeks have been very promising in scientific advancements to curb Covid-19.

Merck is applying for emergency use authorization for their antiviral given by the mouth. It's molnupiravir, a ribonucleoside that introduces errors into the virus' genome, hindering its replication. It slashes by 50% the risk of hospitalization and death. Molnupiravir has concluded its phase III trial.

Atea and Roche are working on another one, AT527, currently in phase III. It's a polymerase inhibitor (the enzyme polymerase is essential for viral replication, for all variants equally).

Pfizer is working on a third one, PF-07321332, a protease inhibitor, protease being another essential enzyme for viral replication.

If all 3 get approved, we could see a cocktail of antiviral drugs like is done for HIV, with 3 antivrials given together, attacking each, a different step of the viral replication process. Could be highly effective, stopping the infection to a screeching halt.

Then, we have three makers of monoclonal antibodies, the Regeneron one, the Lilly one, and the newest one by GSK/Vir. All three have earned EUAs from the FDA.

All the above options are for mild and moderate cases, before they progress to severe cases.

Conceivably we could give to a high risk patient, all three antivirals + one of the monoclonal antibodies. Maybe this would completely eliminate the risk of progression to severe disease.

We now also have subcutaneous monoclonal antibodies, and intramuscular long-acting monoclonal antibodies, which could be used for prophylaxis.

Add vaccines to this mix...

And it is not impossible that at some point in 2022, nobody getting the full prevention and the full treatment will die of Covid-19.

Say, a person is vaccinated, already less likely to catch a breakthrough infection, but if the person does catch one, he/she is less likely to develop severe disease already, thanks to the vaccine, but then to make it even tighter, we also give to the person an infusion of a mab cocktail, and the oral antiviral cocktail (which can be taken by the mouth, at home, over five days).

This multi-pronged attack has the potential to make of death from Covid-19, a thing of the past, provided that early diagnosis and early full treatments are implemented.

This is exciting. In less than 2 years, science seems to be rapidly finding answers to stop Covid-19.

 

"Proceed With Caution At Your Own Peril" - Merck's COVID 'Super Drug' Poses Serious Health Risks, Scientists Warn

"...there is a concern that this will cause long-term mutation effects, even cancer."

"a study that was cut short - could cause cancer or birth defects"

Barron's:

NHC is the active ingredient in the drug.

Always read the fine print.

 

I should add: this said, drugs at times show problems after the phase III trials (and two of the three new antivirals haven't even concluded phase III yet), when they are given to millions in the open market. So these new treatment options should be called "promising," but they are not proven yet. It is certainly encouraging, though, that we seem to be about to get new tools to combat Covid-19.

 

It's also important to note that about 1/3 of all drugs approved by the FDA are later found to have bad complications.