SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family coronviradae and the disease caused by
this virus is known as COVID-19. Viral entry into the cell is favored by spike
glycoprotein, which interacts with Angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2).
Moreover, proteins such as Transmembrane Protease Serine-2 (TMPRSS-2), are
responsible for viral fusion with cellular epithelium. Traditional drug discovery
methods and their development process are time-consuming as well as expensive.
Thus, there is a need for a method that can overcome such drawbacks. Drug
repurposing is an approach in which we can use an existing drug that is already being
used for another disease. The repurposing of drugs is also known as repositioning. It is
the process that identifies new therapeutic use for existing or available drugs.
Hydroxychloroquine inhibits ACE-2 glycosylation virus entry to the host body; arbidol
prevents fusion of viral lipid shell with cell membrane hence restricting contact and
penetration of virus. Drug repurposing could be a successful strategy for the treatment
of sporadic, neglected diseases, difficult-to-treat diseases, and the current pandemic
situation, i.e., COVID-19. However, there is no denying the fact that there are several
limitations to this approach.
Keywords: Animal model, Antiviral, Computational approach, COVID-19, Drug repurposing, Experimental approach, Phytochemicals, SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein, Viral inhibition.
