A promising antiviral candidate drug for the COVID-19 pandemic: A mini-review of remdesivir

Authors: Liang, C, Tian, L, Liu, Y, Hui, N, Qiao, G, Li, H, Shi, Z, Tang, Y, Zhang, D, Xie, X, Zhao, X.

Publication: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry; 201,112527

Affiliations: School of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an, 710021, PR China; Department of Urology Surgery Center, The People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, 830002, PR China; Xi’an Taikomed Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Xi’an, 710077, PR China; Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi’an, 710025, PR China; Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China

Abstract: Remdesivir (GS-5734), a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) inhibitor that can be used to treat a variety of RNA virus infections, is expected to be an effective treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. On May 1, 2020, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this review presents comprehensive information on remdesivir, including information regarding the milestones, intellectual properties, anti-coronavirus mechanisms, preclinical research and clinical trials, and in particular, the chemical synthesis, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of remdesivir. Furthermore, perspectives regarding the use of remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 are also discussed.