Is lithium a potential treatment for the novel Wuhan (2019-nCoV) coronavirus? A scoping review
Jan Krzysztof Nowak, Jarosław Walkowiak
Abstract
<ns4:p> The current rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) originating from Wuhan, China, calls for a rapid response from the research community. Lithium is widely used to treat bipolar disorder, but has been shown to exhibit antiviral activity. This brief review took a systematic approach to identify five <ns4:italic>in vitro</ns4:italic> studies reporting on the influence of lithium on coronaviral infections. We propose that in the case of urgent need, lithium be explored as a potential treatment or prophylaxis for the novel Wuhan coronavirus (2019-nCoV). </ns4:p>
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Lithium (medication)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakCoronavirusVirologyMedicineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirusIntensive care medicineInternal medicineDiseaseOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchPlant Virus Research StudiesCalcium signaling and nucleotide metabolism