COVID-19 Innovative Drug Treatments: Looking Outside of Plato’s Cave

Dear Colleagues,

A high rate of morbidity and mortality has been observed worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Currently, there is no available effective treatment. Many clinical trials with antiviral and other drugs are in progress, but the availability of an effective vaccine or the development of experimental drugs is not considered feasible for this year. The economic decline from the emergency restrictions is likely to cause unprecedented damage to living standards, including decline in healthcare systems and increases in morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries. Emergency strategies and medicines are required to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including unconventional approaches. There are many pathways involved in the initiation and progression of the COVID-19 infection, and many more associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and other symptomatological side effects. The aim of this Special Issue is to propose possible therapeutics and the related mechanisms for targeting one or more pathways to combat the progress of the COVID-19 disease and/or associated symptoms. The proposal for therapeutics is only related to regulatory approved drugs and should include the INN name, mode of action, posology, therapeutic index, toxic side effects, ADMET characteristics, patient categories receiving the drug, drug interactions and use in adjuvant therapies. It is hoped that the findings and strategy adopted in this Special Issue will encourage clinical trials and the compassionate use of promising therapeutics against the COVID-19 infection.

Prof. Dr. George J. Kontoghiorghes
Dr. Christina N. Kontoghiorghe
Dr. Annita Kolnagou
Guest Editors

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