Shanghai scientists at work on coronavirus treatment

Shanghai scientists on Saturday suggested 30 possible treatments for pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The medicines and bioactive compounds include some used to treat HIV, according to the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies.

Of the recommendations, Cinanserin has been used therapeutically since the 1970s against schizophrenia and was identified as effective on SARS.

Enzaplatovir and Presatovir are used to treat respiratory syncytial virus. Montelukast can prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma.

Herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine such as huzhang (knotweed) and shandougen (sophora root) are also on the list.