February 28, 2020

A Systematic Review of Lopinavir Therapy for SARS Coronavirus and MERS Coronavirus–A Possible Reference for Coronavirus Disease-19 Treatment Option

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• In absence of FDA-approved antiviral therapies for COVID-19, Yao et al reviewed efficacy of Lopinavir (LPV), an agent used during SARS and MERS epidemic, to clarify its potential for use in patients with COVID-19. Currently a combination of LPV/r is a recommended treatment in China. They reported on two reviews; one with success on limited patients and bigger study with variable outcome. They call for more clinically valid evidence (RCT) to confirm the positive value of LPV for COVID-19 treatment. Adverse reaction including diarrhea, nausea, and asthenia were frequently reported among other symptoms.

Yao et al. (Feb 27, 2020). A Systematic Review of Lopinavir Therapy for SARS Coronavirus and MERS Coronavirus–A Possible Reference for Coronavirus Disease-19 Treatment Option.  Journal of Medical Virology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25729