This review by Alimuddin Zumla, Jasper F. W. Chan, Esam I. Azhar, David S. C. Hui, and Kwok-Yung Yuen discusses the epidemiology, virology, clinical features, and current treatment strategies for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) caused by coronaviruses (CoVs). SARS, which emerged in 2003, and MERS, which emerged in 2012, have caused significant global concern due to their ability to cause severe infections and outbreaks. There are currently no specific antiviral drugs available for these viruses, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. The review covers the discovery and development of virus-based and host-based therapeutic options. Virus-based treatments include nucleosides, nucleotides, and antiviral peptides targeting specific viral enzymes involved in the replication cycle. Host-based treatments focus on enhancing the host's innate immune response, such as interferons and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), which can potentiate the antiviral response. The authors also discuss the development of MERS-CoV vaccines, emphasizing the importance of rapid diagnostics and effective vaccines in controlling epidemics caused by emerging viruses. Despite ongoing efforts, there is still a need for more effective treatments and vaccines to combat SARS and MERS.This review by Alimuddin Zumla, Jasper F. W. Chan, Esam I. Azhar, David S. C. Hui, and Kwok-Yung Yuen discusses the epidemiology, virology, clinical features, and current treatment strategies for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) caused by coronaviruses (CoVs). SARS, which emerged in 2003, and MERS, which emerged in 2012, have caused significant global concern due to their ability to cause severe infections and outbreaks. There are currently no specific antiviral drugs available for these viruses, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. The review covers the discovery and development of virus-based and host-based therapeutic options. Virus-based treatments include nucleosides, nucleotides, and antiviral peptides targeting specific viral enzymes involved in the replication cycle. Host-based treatments focus on enhancing the host's innate immune response, such as interferons and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), which can potentiate the antiviral response. The authors also discuss the development of MERS-CoV vaccines, emphasizing the importance of rapid diagnostics and effective vaccines in controlling epidemics caused by emerging viruses. Despite ongoing efforts, there is still a need for more effective treatments and vaccines to combat SARS and MERS.