Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a diverse group of enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that cause various diseases in humans and animals. Two severe CoVs, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, emerged in 2003 and 2012, respectively, and have caused significant global health concerns due to their high morbidity and mortality. These viruses lack specific antiviral treatments, making drug discovery crucial for effective management. This review summarizes the epidemiology, virology, clinical features, and current treatment strategies of SARS and MERS, and discusses new therapeutic options for CoV infections. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are zoonotic viruses that can transmit between animals and humans. SARS-CoV is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected animals, while MERS-CoV is mainly spread through human-to-human contact, especially in healthcare settings. Both viruses have high case fatality rates and can cause severe respiratory disease. Current management strategies for SARS and MERS focus on supportive care, as no specific antiviral treatments have been proven effective in clinical trials. However, numerous compounds have shown antiviral activity in vitro and in animal models, and some have been used empirically or in uncontrolled trials. New therapeutic options for CoV infections include virus-based and host-based treatments. Virus-based treatments target viral proteins such as the spike glycoprotein (S), which is essential for viral entry and fusion with host cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the S protein have potent anti-CoV activity in vitro and in vivo. Host-based treatments include inhibitors of host proteases involved in viral entry, such as TMPRSS2 and furin, which are critical for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV entry. Additionally, nucleoside analogues, ribozymes, and siRNAs targeting viral RNA have shown antiviral activity in vitro. Host-based treatments also include modulating the host innate immune response, such as interferon therapy, which is crucial for controlling viral replication. Cyclophilins and other host factors are also being explored as potential targets for antiviral therapy. The development of new antiviral drugs is based on a deep understanding of CoV biology and the identification of key viral and host targets. Despite promising in vitro results, many of these agents require further evaluation in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy in humans. The challenge remains in developing effective, safe, and broadly applicable antiviral therapies for CoV infections.Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a diverse group of enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that cause various diseases in humans and animals. Two severe CoVs, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, emerged in 2003 and 2012, respectively, and have caused significant global health concerns due to their high morbidity and mortality. These viruses lack specific antiviral treatments, making drug discovery crucial for effective management. This review summarizes the epidemiology, virology, clinical features, and current treatment strategies of SARS and MERS, and discusses new therapeutic options for CoV infections. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are zoonotic viruses that can transmit between animals and humans. SARS-CoV is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected animals, while MERS-CoV is mainly spread through human-to-human contact, especially in healthcare settings. Both viruses have high case fatality rates and can cause severe respiratory disease. Current management strategies for SARS and MERS focus on supportive care, as no specific antiviral treatments have been proven effective in clinical trials. However, numerous compounds have shown antiviral activity in vitro and in animal models, and some have been used empirically or in uncontrolled trials. New therapeutic options for CoV infections include virus-based and host-based treatments. Virus-based treatments target viral proteins such as the spike glycoprotein (S), which is essential for viral entry and fusion with host cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the S protein have potent anti-CoV activity in vitro and in vivo. Host-based treatments include inhibitors of host proteases involved in viral entry, such as TMPRSS2 and furin, which are critical for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV entry. Additionally, nucleoside analogues, ribozymes, and siRNAs targeting viral RNA have shown antiviral activity in vitro. Host-based treatments also include modulating the host innate immune response, such as interferon therapy, which is crucial for controlling viral replication. Cyclophilins and other host factors are also being explored as potential targets for antiviral therapy. The development of new antiviral drugs is based on a deep understanding of CoV biology and the identification of key viral and host targets. Despite promising in vitro results, many of these agents require further evaluation in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy in humans. The challenge remains in developing effective, safe, and broadly applicable antiviral therapies for CoV infections.