Although scientists have celebrated the approval for emergency use of remdesivir to treat COVID-19, a cure remains a long way off — and might never arrive.
Hundreds of drugs are being studied around the world, but "I don't see a lot of home runs right now," said Dr. Carlos del Rio, a professor of infectious diseases at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. "I see a lot of strikeouts."
The coronavirus is an elusive enemy.
Doctors say they're fighting a war on multiple fronts, battling a virus that batters organs throughout the body, causes killer blood clots and prompts an immune system overreaction. With so many parts of the body under siege, scientists say, improving survival rates will require multiple routes of attack — and more than one drug.
"There are so many pieces of this, and they will all require different therapies," said Dr. Lewis Kaplan, president of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
High-tech approaches include using stem cells, virus-specific T cells and synthetic antibodies to neutralize the coronavirus.
Scientists are also taking a fresh look at existing medications that might be repurposed, including antivirals for influenza, arthritis drugs, estrogen patches and even antacids. If repurposed drugs are successful, they could reach patients relatively quickly, because doctors are already familiar with their side effects and safety concerns.
Some doctors are skeptical that drugs for heartburn or hot flashes can treat COVID-19.