Are currently available antiretrovirals effective against COVID-19?
Currently no antiretroviral therapies are licenced for the therapy of COVID-19. However, antivirals can be used. They should be administered as soon as possible, in early stages of the disease However, not all patients need antiretroviral therapy. Compassionate- use is possible, however contraindications should be considered.
- Remdesivir: is effective against MERS, ongoing trials
- Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra®): Proteaseinhibitors which are used for HIV. Data in COVID-19 patients is scarce. Dose: 400mgg/100mg/ BID, no dose adjustment for chronic kidney disease necessary. → Monitor liver function parameters!, Contraindications: severe liver disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, prolonged QTc
Update: 21.03.2020 A study using Lopiavir has recently been relesead that demonstrated no benefit of lopinavir–ritonavir treatment beyond standard care

NEJM Bin Cao, M.D et al