THE OPTIONS AGAINST COVID-19
ANTIVIRALS
How they work
The COVID-19 virus is a double-stranded RNA virus with 29 proteins
An RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase protein is unique to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19; it is not present in humans
Most antivirals are targeting to inhibit this protein, which would prevent the virus from replicating
Some also target M Protease, a specific protein that cuts host cell proteins for the virus to digest
Toxicity and efficacy are important parameters for drugs to ensure
