Infectious Disorders - Drug TargetsInfectious Disorders - Drug TargetsInfectious Disorders - Drug Targets1871-52652212-3989Bentham Science64576510.2174/0118715265270637240107153121MedicineResearch ArticleTwo Birds with One Stone: Drug Regime Targets Viral Pathogenesis Phases and COVID-19 ARDS at the Same TimeGhavamiGhazalehinfo@benthamscience.netSardariSoroushinfo@benthamscience.netDrug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of IranDrug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran0108202424811012025Copyright ©; 2024, Bentham Science Publishers2024Bentham Science Publishershttps://journals.eco-vector.com/1871-5265/article/view/645765

Background:Severe COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a kind of viral pneumonia induced by infection with the coronavirus that causes ARDS. It involves symptoms that are a combination of viral pneumonia and ARDS. Antiviral or immunosuppressive medicines are used to treat many COVID-19 patients. Several drugs are now undergoing clinical studies in order to see if they can be repurposed in the future.

Material and Methods:In this study, in silico biomarker-targeted methodologies, such as target/molecule virtual screening by docking technique and drug repositioning strategy, as well as data mining approach and meta-analysis of investigational data, were used.

Results:In silico findings of used combination of drug repurposing and high-throughput docking methods presented acetaminophen, ursodiol, and β-carotene as a three-drug therapy regimen to treat ARDS induced by viral pneumonia in addition to inducing direct antiviral effects against COVID-19 viral infection.

Conclusion:In the current study, drug repurposing and high throughput docking methods have been employed to develop combination drug regimens as multiple-molecule drugs for the therapy of COVID-19 and ARDS based on a multiple-target therapy strategy. This approach offers a promising avenue for the treatment of COVID-19 and ARDS, and highlights the potential benefits of drug repurposing in the fight against the current pandemic.

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