GC Green Cross "COVID-19 Plasma Therapy, Will Release Within This Year"

Heo Eun-cheol, President of GC Green Cross

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] GC Green Cross announced on the 2nd that it aims to make its plasma treatment for patients with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) available for use in frontline medical settings within this year.

The company is currently developing the COVID-19 plasma treatment GC5131A. This is a highly immunized globulin made by fractionating only the immune proteins containing various antibodies from the plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients. Compared to typical immunoglobulin blood products composed of general immune antibodies, the company explained that GC5131A contains more antibodies specialized for COVID-19. GC Green Cross has previously developed and commercialized hepatitis B immune globulin 'Hepabig' and anti-tetanus immune globulin 'Hypertet.'

The rapid development of the plasma treatment is due to the long-term use of immunoglobulin products in humans. Since the mechanism of action and production method are the same as those of already commercialized similar products, the process is simpler compared to new drug development. There is already evidence of therapeutic effects from administering plasma of recovered patients for past novel infectious diseases, and the therapeutic efficacy of drugs made by fractionating and concentrating this plasma has also been demonstrated. Overseas, leading blood product companies such as Takeda and Grifols are developing plasma treatments with support from various governments.

The company is accelerating development with the goal of being the first in the world to release the product. Heo Eun-cheol, CEO of GC Green Cross, said, "We will soon begin clinical trials to confirm therapeutic efficacy," adding, "The treatment is being developed primarily for the urgent treatment of severe patients and for the prevention of high-risk groups such as frontline medical personnel."

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