A Comparison Analysis on Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Hydroxychloroquine, Chloroquine and Azithromycin in the Treatment of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) - A Review

Abstract

Background: This comparative study is to ascertain the efficacy and results proven drug used in the management of the novel corona virus disease 19 since most patients admitted are recovering while there is no clinically approved or certified drug or group of drugs used worldwide for this fatal disease that is of great global public health concern. Methods: Literature review was prominently used by researchers from accredited research centers library, google scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, and other peer reviewed scientific articles and journals. Search terms included coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV2, and COVID-19 in combination with treatment, pathogenesis, pathophysiology and pathmorphology. The search resulted in 2210 articles. With respect to time and convenience looking in how the need for better profiling of COVID-19 education for the general public, the researchers also included case reports and case series. The authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts for inclusion. Additional relevant articles were identified from the review of citations referenced. Many research works done by scientist and practitioners in affected countries were reviewed further especially some through active probing through interviews via emails to some authors for clarification and analyses of the most drugs (remedesvir, favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, Azithromycin etc.) used routinely with effective outcomes sampled and discussed on how it really works on the disease causing agent SARS COV 2 in corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19). Results: There are no clinically certified effective therapies that treat COVID-19 diseases although there is a growing and advancing knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 and its mechanism of invading the human system. Since the outbreak there has been numerous treatment plans with polypharmacies practice as the main routine due to how wild and unpredictable the virus is and the complex nature of its invasion and cells destruction bring about different symptoms in the very particular organ and systems it invades and affects. The researchers found that although hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir and remdesivir where commonly used in pacesetter countries of the COVID19 disease in Asia notably china, Japan, Europe: Italy, Spain, and the united states of America but remdesivir and favipiravir are seen to be most promising although showed side effects, it had prominent efficacy and efficiency although not yet certified as the main anti-viral agent for COVID 19. Furthermore, the researchers find that with the recovering rates of patients who were given remdesivir and favipiravir were increasing with short recovery rate as against the usual 11 to 14 days and saw little or no efficacy and efficiency difference between the two anti-viral agents. In addition, the researchers found that there has been no monotherapy success in the treatment of COVID 19 worldwide, all treatments have been polytherapies with supportive and conventional care. Conclusion: The researchers see the threat and fatal distress of the COVID 19 pandemic to the world and assures the science community and the general population that there is constant work been done to find solutions and a potent and efficient drug or vaccine for the pandemic and all should maintain the world health organization’s preventive measures of constant hand washing with soap under running water, the use of alcohol based hand sanitizers and face mask till a certified drug of choice is approved for use by the world.