Figure 1.
COVID-19 Disease Progression and Stages with the Potential to Be Targeted by Antimalarial Drugs.
During Stages 1 and 2 of infection there is viral replication, which may be targeted by antimalarials, including pyronaridine and artesunate. During Stages 3 and 4 of infection, a cytokine storm syndrome occurs that is characterized by increased proinflammatory markers. These latter stages may be targeted by the anti-inflammatory effects of artemisinins, including artesunate. Abbreviations: ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; IL-6, interleukin-6; IL-1, interleukin-1; MOF, multiorgan failure; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.