"COVID-19 'Drug Repurposing' Treatment Expected to Complete Clinical Trials Within the Year" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As of the 24th, among the more than 20 COVID-19 treatment candidates currently under research, the drug repositioning approach, which expands the indications of already approved drugs to COVID-19, is expected to yield results first.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated this during a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the same day, adding, "Clinical trials could be completed within this year at the earliest."

Director Jung said, "Once clinical trials are completed, we expect treatment guidelines including effective therapeutics and dosages to be issued," but also showed a cautious attitude by saying, "We need to observe the results carefully."

The day before, the health authorities announced plans to conduct clinical trials of plasma therapy on COVID-19 patients starting in July. Director Jung said, "The public offering for the related research project is currently underway," and added, "Once researchers or manufacturers are selected, we will secure convalescent plasma and develop it into a treatment to be introduced as soon as possible."

Regarding the commercialization timeline, she said, "We plan to proceed with development and clinical trials as quickly as possible," but also noted, "We need to monitor more carefully and observe the timing."

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