Convalescent plasma (filtered plasma containing antibodies from recovered individuals) is a treatment option with ongoing research. It can be used as treatment for severely ill patients or as prophylaxis for highly susceptible individuals. While many patients show marked improvement in symptoms, studies involving CP also include other treatment, so the sole effectiveness of CP transfusion is yet unclear. Recovered individuals are encouraged to donate their plasma for research and recovery.

Convalescent Plasma (CP) Transfusion as Prophylactic Treatment for COVID-19

Researchers used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate hydroxychloroquine sulfate as a potential postexposure prophylactic drug for COVID-19. After recruitment in the United States and Canada, 821 asymptomatic individuals who were exposed to COVID-19 were treated within 4 days of contact with infected individuals. Participants were considered highly exposed if they were less than 6 feet away from an individual with confirmed COVID-19 infection for more than 10 minutes without wearing a mask or eye shield. Moderately exposed individuals met all these requirements except they were wearing a mask during exposure. Participants were given either placebo (n=407) or hydroxychloroquine sulfate (n=414) tablets on a dosing regimen. They were monitored for the incidence of COVID-19 infection or related symptoms for 14 days. The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference between new illness and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection in the hydroxychloroquine sulfate and placebo groups (11.8% and 14.3%, respectively).  

Hydroxychloroquine as Prophylactic Treatment for COVID-19

- Development of COVID-19 Vaccines
- Types of Vaccines:
     - Virus Vaccines
     - Nucleic Acid Vaccines
     - Viral Vector Vaccines
     - Subunit Vaccines

Genetic Engineering in Vaccine Development for COVID-19

In a study of 164 healthcare workers in Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, oral administration of the antiviral drug Arbidol was significantly correlated with reduced rates of COVID-19 among participants. 

Umifenovir (Arbidol) as Prophylactic Treatment for COVID-19

Because of their beneficial effects on strengthening the immune system, prescribing supplements such as prebiotics and probiotics to the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and front-line health care workers may be a cost-effective and important strategy in preventing and controlling the spread of the virus.  

Prescribing Prebiotics and Probiotics as a Prophylactic Treatment for Groups at-risk of COVID-19 

Prophylactic treatment may be used to prevent COVID-19 infection, especially for high-risk individuals. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

City University of New York

University of California, Davis

- Therapeutic treatment
- Prophylactic treatment 
- Drug targets and candidates
- Preventive Treatment

Focuses of Pharmacology in COVID-19

Currently, there is no FDA-approved, consistent treatment plan for COVID-19. Treatment depends on the severity of disease, the patient's ability to self-isolate, and the presence of other risk factors. Individuals with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 are able to treat themselves at home without hospitalization or clinical care. If an individual is hospitalized, treatments will focus on managing the most common and severe COVID-19 complications. 

Therapeutic Treatment of COVID-19

Prophylactic Treatment of COVID-19

- effective drug targets and candidates
- ineffective drug targets and candidates
- theoretical drug targets and candidates

Drug Targets and Candidates of COVID-19

As we do not have a vaccine for the virus yet, preventive measures are very important and should be strictly followed. Some of the preventive measures are:
- wearing a face mask
- social distancing
- hand sanitisers
- hand washing
- surface sanitisers

Scientists are also researching on certain oral antiseptics that inactive the virus in the mouth, thereby preventing the spread of COVID-19. 


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