{"id":2465,"date":"2023-01-06T00:26:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T05:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bocsci.com\/blog\/?p=2465"},"modified":"2023-04-21T01:41:14","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T06:41:14","slug":"10-small-molecule-drugs-approved-for-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bocsci.com\/blog\/10-small-molecule-drugs-approved-for-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"A Glance at 10 Small Molecule Drugs Approved for COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus and possesses a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome that contains 14 open reading frames (ORFs). Two ORFs encode polyproteins PP1a and PP1b. Four ORFs encode a series of structural proteins, including the spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. In the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle, the S protein, which recognizes the human ACE2 receptor and is cleaved by host proteases, is responsible for virus binding and entry into host cells. Subsequently, Mpro<\/sup> and PLpro<\/sup> are necessary for the production and function of non-structural proteins (NSPs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key NSP RNA-dependent RNA polymerase<\/a> (RdRp, also known as NSP12) catalyzes the synthesis of viral RNA and plays a central role in the lifecycle of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, targeting these functional proteins is a rational strategy to inhibit infection and the replication of SARS-CoV-2.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Lifecycle<\/a>
Lifecycle of SARS-CoV-2 (Lei S. et al.<\/em> 2022)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Small molecules targeting specific signals and functions are widely applied in the treatment of diseases. Compared with biologics such as monoclonal antibodies and plasma products, small molecules are more flexible in binding with target molecules when acting as antagonist or agonist. Their lower production cost and higher stability also make them ideal therapeutic agents for both clinical and research applications. In parallel with the growing understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, small molecules from natural sources or those produced via chemical synthesis have demonstrated their immense therapeutic potential by intervening with various processes. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19<\/a> has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design<\/a> and screening<\/a>, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to incomplete statistics, so far, 10 small-molecule COVID-19 therapeutic drugs have been approved or authorized globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n