India's Cadila gets approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for Covid-19 | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

India's Cadila gets approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for Covid-19

Reuters |
Apr 23, 2021 03:34 PM IST

Cadila said patients given its therapy in clinical trials had shown lesser need for supplemental oxygen, which is given to seriously ill Covid-19 patients to increase its supply in the blood and lungs.

India's Cadila Healthcare Ltd has received restricted emergency use approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for moderate Covid-19 in adults, the drugmaker said on Friday.

Cadila's drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C.(MINT_PRINT)
Cadila's drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C.(MINT_PRINT)

The approval follows promising results from a late-stage study of the drug, and comes in the middle of a massive wave of Covid-19 cases in India, which has overwhelmed its health system and left many hospitals short of critical oxygen supplies.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Cadila said patients given its therapy in clinical trials had shown lesser need for supplemental oxygen, which is given to seriously ill Covid-19 patients to increase its supply in the blood and lungs.

About 91% of patients treated with the drug, branded Virafin, tested negative for Covid-19 in standard RT-PCR tests by day seven, compared to nearly 79% who were given the standard of care, the company said earlier this month.

"The fact that we are able to offer a therapy which significantly reduces viral load when given early on can help in better disease management," Cadila Managing Director Sharvil Patel said. "It comes at a much-needed time for patients."

India reported the world's highest daily tally of coronavirus infections for a second day on Friday, surpassing 330,000 new cases.

Cadila's drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C and launched in India 10 years ago. It is being repurposed to treat Covid-19.

The company's shares reversed course following the news, and were last up 3.2% at 570 rupees in afternoon trading on the National Stock Exchange.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on Election 2024, India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On