# Study anti-viral drugs for their efficiency against multiple SARS CoV-2 drug targets within molecular docking, molecular quantum similarity, and chemical reactivity indices frameworks

## TL;DR

This study evaluates anti-viral drugs for their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking and quantum similarity methods to identify promising drug candidates.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the combined use of molecular docking, quantum similarity, and chemical reactivity indices to assess drug candidates for multiple SARS-CoV-2 targets.

## Key findings

- Lamivudine and Molnupiravir showed high molecular quantum similarity (MQSM) of 0.9178, indicating structural and electronic similarity.
- Oseltamivir and Prochloraz had the lowest MQSM (0.2233), suggesting significant structural dissimilarity.
- Fukui functions identified nucleophilic and electrophilic sites in Valacyclovir and Penciclovir, aiding in understanding their reactivity patterns.

## Abstract

The study focused on drug discovery for COVID-19, emphasizing the challenges posed by the pandemic and the importance of understanding the virus’s biology. The research utilized molecular docking and quantum similarity analyses to explore potential ligands for SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Docking outcomes for various ligands, including Oseltamivir, Prochloraz, Valacyclovir, Baricitinib, Molnupiravir, Penciclovir, Famciclovir, Lamivudine, and Nitazoxanide, were presented. Interactions between ligands and specific residues in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase were analyzed.

Global parameters, such as electronic chemical potential, chemical hardness, global softness, and global electrophilicity, were computed for the ligands. For the local reactivity descriptors, the Fukui Functions were used. Fukui functions, representing electrophilic and nucleophilic sites, were calculated for selected ligands (Valacyclovir and Penciclovir). Nucleophilic character assignments for specific molecular regions were discussed, providing insights into potential charge-donating interactions.

Challenges in COVID-19 drug discovery, such as virus mutability, rapid evolution, and resource limitations, were summarized. Progress in vaccine development and the need for ongoing research to address variants and breakthrough cases were emphasized.

Higher MQSM between Lamivudine and Molnupiravir (0.5742) indicates structural and electronic similarity. Lowest MQSM between Oseltamivir and Prochloraz (0.2233) implies structural dissimilarity.

Higher MQSM between Lamivudine and Molnupiravir (0.9178) suggests both structural and electronic similarity. Lowest MQSM between Baricitinib and Famciclovir (0.6001) indicates greater structural diversity. Measurements above 0.5 in Table 3 suggest electronic similarity, emphasizing the electronic aspects in molecular analysis.

In this sense, it study employed a multi-faceted approach combining molecular docking, quantum similarity analyses, and chemical reactivity assessments to explore potential drug candidates for COVID-19. The findings provide valuable insights into ligand interactions, reactivity patterns, and the challenges associated with drug discovery in the context of the global pandemic.