Dataset Information

Old drugs for a new indication: a review of chloroquine and analogue in COVID-19 treatment.

ABSTRACT: As an innovative therapeutic strategy, drug repurposing affords old, approved, and already established drugs a chance at new indications. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanied urgency for a lasting treatment, drug repurposing has come in handy to stem the debilitating effects of the disease. Among other therapeutic options currently in clinical trials, chloroquine (CQ) and the hydroxylated analogue, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been frontline therapeutic options in most formal and informal clinical settings with varying degrees of efficacy against this life-threatening disease. Their status in randomized clinical trials is related to the biochemical and pharmacological profiles as validated by in vitro, in vivo and case studies. With the aim to bear a balance for their use in the long run, this review not only synopsizes findings from recent studies on the degrees of efficacy and roles of CQ/HCQ as potential anti-COVID-19 agents but also highlights our perspectives for their consideration in rational drug repositioning and use.

SUBMITTER: Ehianeta TS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8202634 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:Background: Anti-malarial drugs inhibit coronaviruses in-vitro. Few published studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies. Major database searches were carried out up until June 5, 2020. Participants admitted with RT-PCR-confirmed SARS Cov-2 (COVID-19) infection were included. The "Intervention group" received anti-malarial drugs with or without other drugs (Azithromycin) administered as an adjunct to the standard treatment/care. The "Control group" received treatment except anti-malarial drugs. The primary outcome is "all-cause mortality." Secondary outcome measures were effects on clinical and laboratory parameters and adverse events. Results: Of 3,472 citations, 17 (six clinical trials and 11 observational studies) studies provided data of 8,071 participants. Compared to the control, Hydroxy-chloroquine (HCQ) has no significant effect on mortality [(OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.46-1.64); eight observational studies; N = 5,944]. Data from a single, small non-randomized trial (N = 42) also reached a similar conclusion (OR 1.94; 95% CI 0.07-50.57; p = 0.69). Compared to the control, HCQ plus Azithromycin (AZM) significantly increased mortality [(OR 2.84; 95% CI 2.19-3.69); four observational studies; N = 2,310]. Compared to the control, risk of any adverse event was significantly increased in HCQ group [(OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.58-7.13); four clinical trials; N = 263]. Compared to control, risk of adverse cardiac events (abnormal ECG, arrhythmia, or QT prolongation) were not significantly increased in HCQ group (but significantly increased in the HCQ plus AZM group). The GRADE evidence generated for all the outcomes was of "very low-quality." Conclusions: As very low quality evidence suggests an increased risk of mortality and adverse event with HCQ plus Azithromycin combination (not HCQ alone), caution should be exercised while prescribing this combination for treatment of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 infection. Good quality, multi-centric RCTs (including both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients) are required for any firm recommendation to be made during the ongoing pandemic. OSF Protocol Registration Link: https://osf.io/6zxsu.

Dataset Information

Old drugs for a new indication: a review of chloroquine and analogue in COVID-19 treatment.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets