Use of Regkirona is being widened

Celltrion's Covid-19 treatment Regkirona [YONHAP]

Celltrion’s Regkirona Covid-19 treatment will be used in regional treatment centers and nursing homes.

Until now, the treatment was only used in government-designated hospitals specializing in infectious diseases.

“Korea will expand the usage of Regkirona to patients with light and moderate symptoms who are being treated in regional treatment centers and nursing homes,” Sohn Young-rae, a senior epidemiological strategist at the government’s Central Disaster Management Headquarters, said in a press briefing Wednesday.

The decision came as the number of infections and serious cases have been on a sharp rise since the government's “With Corona” policies went into effect. The government wants to prevent patients with light and moderate symptoms from develop serious cases.

Distribution will start Thursday and will be handled by Celltrion Pharm. Local governments will figure out their demand and the central government will make orders.

Celltrion said the expansion of Regkirona will be helpful in reducing “the number of Covid-19 patients with serious symptoms in the future,” and “the burden of the shortage of hospital beds.”

Based on Phase 3 trial results, Regkirona slowed the progression rate of the disease by 70 percent, and by 72 percent for high-risk patients over 50 or those with underlying conditions.

The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved Regkirona in September. A total of 23,781 patients at 130 hospitals in Korea received the treatment as of Nov. 18, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]