OE Journal

ORIGINAL ANALYSIS

Treatment Options for COVID-19: Evidence Review for Promising Candidates

Promising antiviral treatments for COVID-19—molnupiravir, baricitinib, tofacitinib, and casirivimab/imdevimab—have shown efficacy and safety in clinical trials, as attention is now shifting toward antiviral drugs that can be taken early in infection to prevent severe COVID-19. Early trial data are encouraging: molnupiravir shows meaningful antiviral activity and appears well tolerated. JAK inhibitors like baricitinib and tofacitinib have reduced mortality or clinical worsening in hospitalized patients. Casirivimab/imdevimab offers clear benefit for seronegative patients. While each therapy targets a different phase of illness, together they highlight a growing toolbox that complements vaccination—and underscores the value of continued research as the virus evolves.