How close are we to find specific drugs for COVID-19?

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) started, the global scientific community has been searching for effective clinical drugs. How close are we to find a drug for COVID-19? At present, there are no specific drugs that can be used, but every research step is meaningful, said Zhou Qi.

In the interview, Zhou Qi, deputy secretary-general and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said, "what we have achieved so far is only the first step in the long march."

The discovery and identification of the full sequence of the virus on January 11 was an important breakthrough in the fight against the epidemic. "If there was no complete sequence, there would be no way for us to study diagnostic reagents for vaccines for COVID-19," Zhou stated.

With the World Health Organization (WHO) finally declaring a pandemic, all eyes turned to the prospect of a vaccine, and the public wonders if, in the future, everyone should be vaccinated for COVID-19. In response to that, Zhou noted that even though there is a flu vaccine available, not everyone gets vaccinated, and people are looking for better treatment and prevention for the coronavirus.

Research done so far in China hasn't generated enough evidence for conclusive answers. "There is still a long way to go," Zhou suggested, adding that in the fight against the virus, all means are necessary and should be prepared. A vaccine is an important step but not the only one necessary.

(Cover: CGTN screeshot via CCTV)