The whole world is currently, reading, hearing, and seeing about the developments in addressing the damaging effects of the covid-19 virus, and the info-pandemic is equally overwhelming. Confusion prevails in the treatment paradigm, clinical and anecdotal data of successful treatment and failures, recovery and timelines being promised for an effective therapy and prevention.
This is the first time in the lives of several generations that a calamity of this nature has affected the whole world. People in different geographies have faced calamities like – Tsunami, cyclones, drought, fire, terrorist attacks, etc where the effect was felt in small pockets. COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. Every aspect of our lives has been affected- How we interact with each other, work together, travel, etc. Decisions being taken right now will transform our future and will affect people all around the world for years to come.
The speed and ability of the virus to mutate and its unique behaviour inside humans of different genotype, varied immunity levels, diverse climate & environment pose grave challenges. Infection, recovery, and mortality rate disclosed in different countries, is proof of the differences in varied response to varied treatment. Thus, it is no-brainer that “One size will not fit all” therapeutic approach will emerge.
We have narrowed our initial analysis of the COVID pipeline available in the public domain and complied some therapeutic approaches which could be used as a practical, affordable drug for early or mild stages of infection. For the ICU patients, doctors are struggling to manage the situation “testing and trying” as the outcome is dependent on several factors and require stringent monitoring and management.
Different Types of Vaccines and Key Products in the Clinical Development
Source: Company Reports, ProGrow Pharma Research
India, alike other countries, is also trying hard to control SARS-CoV-2 spread and its associated mortality with all the available resources. The government has also been promoting the prophylactic role of combination of some drugs like HCQ, Homeopathy and ayurvedic therapies to boost the immunity. There are underlining efforts by the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies to develop and manufacture vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic kits locally to combat COVID-19.
The doctors, treating the critically ill patients, do not have the luxury of waiting for full clinical trial results, and they must make a decision from their own and shared experience. If supporting devices, critical instruments (defective/poor quality ventilators, safety gears) and sanitisation issues are addressed, they will be handsomely rewarded by the smile of a recovered patient and country.
Indian Pharma is also leaving no stones unturned and working on combinations of old new drugs to give the nation some therapies ASAP. In less than six months of spreading coronavirus outbreak, India has identified six local vaccine candidates for COVID-19. These candidates are divided into four vaccines categories- mRNA, attenuated, inactivated and adjuvant.
Apart from local vaccines, Indian companies are collaborating with foreign companies and universities for COVID-19 vaccine development, e.g. SII, Bharat Biotech, Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV). At least 10 drugs are being repurposed and being evaluated for the treatment of COVID-19. On the diagnostic front, Indian companies are developing low-cost COVID-19 diagnostic kits.
Key Attributes listed below are Essential for Broad Adoption and Compliance of anti COVID therapies in India