JAPANESE ANTIVIRUS PILL SHOWS ‘RAPID CLEARING’ OF COVID-19

Mon 25 April 2022:

According to reports, a Japanese antiviral tablet demonstrated “rapid clearance of the infectious COVID-19 virus.”

Phase two results revealed improvement in respiratory and feverish symptoms, according to Shionogi & Co Ltd, with the phase three study slated for worldwide testing with US government backing.

The pill, S-217622, “demonstrated rapid clearance of the infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus”, Shionogi said in a statement, citing Phase-2b results from the Phase II/III clinical trial of the drug.

According to reports, the company plans to make antiviral tablets, which are presently being evaluated by Japanese officials.

The patient reported a decrease in viral infection on the fourth day after taking the third dose, according to the drugmakers.

The phase two trial, which included 428 patients from Japan and South Korea, found no adverse effects.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had earlier indicated the government would fast track approval in order to ensure a potential new tool to fight the virus.

Reports say the pill reduced virus level by 80 per cent after four days of treatment compared to a placebo group. The virus level among patients who took smaller doses of the drug fell by 63 per cent, reports say.

Shionogi’s shares have been on a rollercoaster on speculation about success of the treatment. The stock climbed on Friday after a report the U.S. government is in talks to acquire supplies of the drug.

On April 13 the stock sank by as much as 16% on reports the drug could pose risks to pregnancies, based on preclinical data.

The WHO had previously suggested Paxlovid, a COVID-19 antiviral tablet from Pfizer, for patients with moderate viruses who were at risk of hospitalization.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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