DongWha Pharm to kick off trials for virus treatment

DongWha Pharm is planning to start clinical trials on its drug candidate as a potential coronavirus treatment.

The Korean pharmaceutical company said in a statement last week that it is preparing a Covid-19 Phase 2 clinical trial for DW2008 next month after completing efficacy tests on animals.

The company said it found that in vitro experiments performed at the Institut Pasteur Korea that DW2008 had 1.7, 3.8 and 4.7 times higher antiviral activity than chloroquine, remdesivir and Kaletra, respectively. The three drugs are considered the most promising treatment candidates for the novel coronavirus.

DongWha Pharm added that DW2008 improved immune responses and lung functions of Covid-19 patients while alleviating symptoms. The company filed a patent for the drug candidate and plans to apply for regulatory exemptions so that DW2008 becomes immediately available for patients in urgent need.

By Ko Jun-tae