"Asthma Treatment Proven Effective Against COVID-19"… Already Used in Japan

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers have announced a study result showing that an asthma treatment drug is effective in treating the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). In Japan, the drug has been used for treatment in confirmed cases, and it is expected that efforts will begin in South Korea to utilize it as a COVID-19 treatment as well. The Korea Pasteur Institute announced on the 23rd through a 'drug repositioning' study on COVID-19 that the efficacy of ciclesonide, the active ingredient in the asthma treatment drug 'Alvesco,' was found to be excellent.

Asthma Treatment Drug Proven Effective Against COVID-19

Since last month, the institute has been conducting drug repositioning research targeting a total of over 3,000 drugs, including 1,500 FDA-approved drugs in the United States. Drug repositioning research involves searching for treatments among drugs that are already marketed or under development. Since these drugs have already undergone clinical trials, using them as COVID-19 treatments can reduce procedural time.

The institute conducted preliminary experiments using the SARS virus, which is similar to the COVID-19 virus, and subsequently received the COVID-19 virus (NCCP No. 43326) from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to begin detailed efficacy analysis.

A total of about 20 drugs were selected through this process. Among them, niclosamide and ciclesonide were identified. Niclosamide is one of the components of anthelmintic drugs, and ciclesonide is an ingredient found in asthma treatments. However, the institute judged that niclosamide has pharmacological limitations due to its low affinity with pathogens.

Used to Treat Three Confirmed Cases in Japan

On the 19th, to prevent the influx of COVID-19, the government decided to apply 'special entry procedures' to all overseas arrivals regardless of their departure location. Passengers arriving on a flight from London, UK, are seen exiting the gate at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The institute stated, "Ciclesonide showed antiviral activity in cell experiments that was comparable or superior to remdesivir, Kaletra, and chloroquine, which are currently undergoing clinical trials domestically and internationally." They added, "After reviewing safety, efficacy, related overseas cases, and domestic sales status, ciclesonide was selected as the most feasible drug."

This drug has already been used as a treatment for three confirmed COVID-19 patients in Japan. The institute explained in its report, "The treatment reports of three patients infected with COVID-19 in Japan guarantee that further clinical investigations of this drug for COVID-19 patients can be conducted."

Ryu Wang-sik, director of the Korea Pasteur Institute, said, "The discovered drug showed antiviral activity in cells, and we hope that its efficacy will be confirmed in actual clinical settings to help treat patients." He added, "Going forward, the Korea Pasteur Institute plans to continue drug repositioning research to discover additional drugs that are more effective in treating COVID-19."

Meanwhile, the research results were published on the preprint site 'BioRxiv' on the 21st.

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