Updated May 5th, 2020 at 14:19 IST
Zydus Cadila approaches DCGI to use hepatitis drug for COVID-19 clinical trial
Drug Controller General of India, has received an application from Zydus Cadila, to conduct clinical trial using antiviral drug 'Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b'
Advertisement
Country's top drug regulator, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), has received an application from Zydus Cadila, a leading global pharmaceutical company in India, to conduct clinical trial using antiviral drug 'Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b' in adult COVID-19 patients. The Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b medicine has been used for the treatment of Hepatitis B and C in India.
It is vital to note that the drug Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b has been used in the treatment of COVID-19 cases in China and Cuba and is a part of the treatment guidelines of the Chinese government.
READ | Liquor in Delhi to cost 70% more from Tuesday as AAP govt imposes 'Special Corona Fee'
Zydus Cadila has also approached the Central government's Department of Biotechnology to investigate the role of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b for COVID-19.
A senior government official told ANI, "Talks are on. Our experts' committee is examining it. Further decisions are awaited. The research done in the US and a clinical study in China showed that the drug significantly improved the condition of COVID-19 patients".
READ | Time has come to re-open Delhi, says Kejriwal; shops set to open from Monday
Research shows direct anti-viral effect of Interferon Alpha on COVID
A research conducted by the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, showed evidence of a direct anti-viral effect of Interferon Alpha against novel Coronavirus in-vitro. The study demonstrated around 10,000 fold reduction in virus titre in cells that were pre-treated with Interferon Alpha 48 hours earlier.
The second research by a group of universities in China, Australia and Canada retrospectively analysed 77 moderate COVID-19 subjects in Wuhan and observed that those who received Interferon Alpha-2b showed a significant reduction in the duration of virus shedding period and even in levels of the inflammatory cytokine, IL-6.
The study suggested that if a long-acting molecule like the drug is given early on in the infection, the patient suffering from COVID-19 will have a significant benefit as the viral load is reduced, lesser IL-6 is produced and virus eliminating specific immune response is generated.
Not yet licensed for COVID-19 treatment
Zydus Cadila has been commercially manufacturing Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b under the brand name, PegiHep, since 2011 for the treatment of Hepatitis B and C. However, PegiHep is not yet licensed or approved for the treatment of COVID-19.
READ | Coronavirus cases in Delhi rise to nearly 4900; 349 fresh cases
(With inputs from agency)
Advertisement
Published May 5th, 2020 at 14:19 IST