The Current State and Future Directions of Therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern

Abstract

Since March 11th 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) have gained prominent immune evasion and potential for enhanced transmissibility, compromising vaccines as tools for pandemic control. Despite the unprecedented speed for the development and approval of vaccines SARS-CoV-2 after the onset of the pandemic, therapeutic avenues are still limited. Within Canada, there are only two currently approved antiviral treatments for COVID-19 in addition to 5 monoclonal antibodies. As the risk of resistance to these therapeutics continues to rise and infection rates persist, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutics to treat infected individuals. In this article, we explore the effectiveness and accessibility of currently available therapeutics within Canada against new VoCs for SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, we will look at the use of combination antiviral therapies as a possible strategy for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections. We will also investigate possible therapeutic targets to be used in combination with current antivirals to inhibit pathogenesis and spread. Understanding the limitations of current therapeutics against new VoCs highlights the importance of the implementation of new strategies and targets to treat infections. With additional therapeutic options, we may strive to inhibit the negative impacts of the pandemic on our society as well as increase accessibility to those around the world.