Countries Collaborate to Develop Common COVID-19 Treatment Method... Treatment Named "Yeondae"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it will begin developing a treatment specifically for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This decision was made based on the judgment that if various studies are conducted separately, it may be difficult to make medically appropriate decisions.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 18th (local time), WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the launch of a treatment development initiative called "Solidarity." He explained that this treatment method would be simple enough for hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients to apply.

Currently, ten countries including Argentina, Canada, and France have expressed their intention to participate in the development. He stated, "We hope many countries around the world will join Solidarity."

Governments and pharmaceutical companies worldwide have already begun research to find treatments for COVID-19. Director-General Tedros said, "If various treatments are conducted on a small scale, they do not provide clear measures," adding, "What we need are treatments that help save lives and have strong evidence."

Treatments for COVID-19 include antiviral drug therapies that inhibit viral self-replication, similar to those used for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) or Ebola; antibody-based therapies derived from antibodies present in recovered patients; and anti-inflammatory treatments that prevent an overreaction of the immune system.

WHO plans to apply four different types of treatment methods in countries where trials are conducted. These treatments include Gilead's remdesivir, which has raised expectations as a COVID-19 treatment. Other treatments include a combination therapy of AIDS drugs lopinavir and ritonavir, anti-inflammatory treatments used for multiple sclerosis, and treatments using chloroquine, a malaria drug.

Previously, China announced that the antiviral drug Avigan showed effectiveness. However, it was confirmed that this treatment could have adverse effects on pregnant women and others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.