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A rational roadmap for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pharmacotherapeutic research and development
  • +7
  • Steve Alexander,
  • Jane Armstrong,
  • Anthony Davenport,
  • jamie davies,
  • Elena Faccenda,
  • Simon Harding,
  • Francesca Levi-Schaffer,
  • Adam Pawson,
  • christopher southan,
  • Michael Spedding
Steve Alexander
University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Corresponding Author:steve.alexander@nottingham.ac.uk

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Jane Armstrong
The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences
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Anthony Davenport
University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine
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jamie davies
Backstories, The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences
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Elena Faccenda
The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences
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Simon Harding
The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences
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Francesca Levi-Schaffer
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Adam Pawson
The University of Edinburgh
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christopher southan
University of Edinburgh
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Michael Spedding
Spedding Research Solutions SAS, France
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Abstract

In this review, we identify opportunities for drug discovery in the treatment of COVID-19 and in so doing, provide a rational roadmap whereby pharmacology and pharmacologists can mitigate against the global pandemic. We assess the scope for targetting key host and viral targets in the mid-term, by first screening these targets against drugs already licensed; an agenda for drug re-purposing, which should allow rapid translation to clinical trials. A simultaneous, multi-pronged approach using conventional drug discovery methodologies aimed at discovering novel chemical and biological means targetting a short-list of host and viral entities should extend the arsenal of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. This longer-term strategy would provide a deeper pool of drug choices for future-proofing against acquired drug resistance. Second, there will be further viral threats, which will inevitably evade existing vaccines. This will require a coherent therapeutic strategy which pharmacology and pharmacologists are best placed to provide.
11 Apr 2020Submitted to British Journal of Pharmacology
13 Apr 2020Submission Checks Completed
13 Apr 2020Assigned to Editor
13 Apr 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Apr 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
28 Apr 20201st Revision Received
28 Apr 2020Submission Checks Completed
28 Apr 2020Assigned to Editor
28 Apr 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Apr 2020Editorial Decision: Accept