What is holding back the development of antiviral metallodrugs? A literature overview and implications for SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics and future viral outbreaks

In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, this review brings the historical and current literature efforts towards the development of antiviral metallodrugs. Classical compounds such as CTC-96 and auranofin are discussed in depth as pillars for future metallodrugs development. From the recent literature, both cell-based results and biophysical assays against potential viral biomolecule targets are summarized here. Biomolecular interactions are emphasized as a as a powerful and fundamental understanding that will foment further development of metal-based antivirals. We also discuss other possible and unexplored methods for unveiling metallodrugs interactions with biomolecules related to viral replication and highlight the specific challenges involved in the development of antiviral metallodrugs.