The impact of the hypoxia-VEGF-vascular permeability on COVID-19-infected patients

Abstract

Effective treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 to reduce mortality remains one of the most challenging medical issues in controlling unpredictable emergencies caused by the global pandemics. Unfortunately, such effective therapies are not available at this time of writing. In this article, I discuss the possibility of repurposing clinically available anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs that are routinely used in oncology and ophthalmology areas for effective treatment of patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Our preliminary findings from a clinical trial support the therapeutic concept of using anti-VEGF for treating patients with severe COVID-19 to reduce mortality. The aim of this article is to further provide mechanistic insights into the role of VEGF in causing pathological changes during COVID-19 infection.