Identification of SARS-CoV-2 preclinical (in vivo) compounds targeting COVID-19 main protease: A scoping review, meta-analysis and molecular docking studies

Abstract Due to the migratory flow of infected people with severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2), the numbers of confirmed cases of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infections is accelerating worldwide and pre-clinical evidence of antiviral agents that can combat this pandemic is still elusive. We identified published SAR-CoV efficacy experiments in which some selected compounds were used to test the reduction of the virus load in mice. We then developed a combined model based on scoping review, meta-analyses, and molecular docking studies to evaluate the effect size of preclinical studies of compounds that have been tested against SARS-CoV. Molecular docking studies of the inhibitors in the active pocket of COVID-19 protease were also performed. Our results identified three SARS-CoV inhibitors i.e. EIDD-2801, GS-5734 and amodiaquine that are excellent options for optimization and drug development to treat or cure COVID-19.