Using animal models for studying SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction: The search for an animal model capable of reproducing the physiopathology of the COVID-19, and also suitable for evaluating the efficacy and safety of new drugs has become a challenge for many researchers.

Areas Covered: This work reviews the current animal models for tests with SARS-CoV-2 as well as the challenges involved in the safety and efficacy trials.

Expert Opinion: Studies have reported the use of nonhuman primates, ferrets, mice, Syrian hamsters, lagomorphs, mink, and zebrafish in experiments that aimed to understand the course of COVID-19 or test vaccines and other drugs.

COVID-19 and Hyperimmune sera: A feasible plan B to fight against coronavirus.

Since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, different treatment strategies have been explored. These mainly involve the development of antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or anti-inflammatory agents as well as vaccine production. However, other potential options should be more avidly investigated since vaccine production on a worldwide level, and the anti-vaccination movement, also known as anti-vax or vaccine hesitancy by many communities, are still real obstacles without a ready solution.