Phase 1 clinical trials of Hyundai Bioscience's oral Covid treatment complete

Hyundai Bioscience logo [HYUNDAI BIOSCIENCE]

Hyundai Bioscience said Thursday Phase 1 clinical trials of its oral Covid-19 treatment produced meaningful results confirming its safety.

The candidate, referred to as CP-COV03, is based on Niclosamide, a substance that is good for making host-directed antiviral therapies. Niclosamide is used worldwide to treat parasitic infections.

The company conducted the trials on a total of 17 people in Korea. Eleven people were given CP-COV03 and six people Niclosamide. No significant side effects were observed during the trials.

Hyundai Bioscience also added that CP-COV03 showed around five times higher bioavailability compared to Niclosamide. Bioavailability refers to the rate and extent that a drug or other substances is absorbed when introduced into the body.

Late last month, the Kosdaq-listed company submitted an application to start Phase 2 clinical trials for the candidate. It aims to seek emergency use authorization from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as early as March.

If commercialized, the drug will be manufactured by Dongkook Pharmaceutical and Yooyoung Pharmaceutical. Hyundai signed a contract manufacturing organization deal with the two companies.

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