A Short Overview: Marine Resources as Potential Interventions for the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant

Abstract

In November of 2021, a recently evolved variant of SARS-CoV-2, omicron, was discovered. In just one month, omicron has spread to more than 89 countries resulting in a rapid rise in cases and a new wave of infections. With over 46 mutations, omicron brings concern to the public health and may be able to infect at a greater capacity than previous strains. Although able to infect double vaccinated and previously infected individuals, the booster vaccine may prove promising. However, more research is needed to fully elucidate the key function of each mutation and to better develop effective drugs. Marine resources may be a promising drug discovery avenue to investigate. For example, compounds such as natural bromotyrosines and inorganic polyphosphate have been shown to have multiple mechanisms of action against viruses, like SARS-CoV-2. Through viral entry blockade and preventing viral replication and protein synthesis, metabolites produced from marine organisms may be promising against the evolving SARS-CoV-2. The present review highlights key features of the omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant, summarizes key studies and reports on omicron viral infection and examines the potential for intervention using renewable marine resources.