"Animal Test Efficacy Confirmed"... JW Jungwoo Prepares for Phase 2 Clinical Trial of COVID-19 Treatment

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] JW Pharmaceutical announced on the 30th that it has secured ownership and usage rights for the animal model study results of 'CWP291,' a candidate drug under development for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology has been conducting research on this candidate substance using COVID-19-infected hamsters, and with the recent transfer of rights, the company plans to proceed with subsequent development work, the company stated. According to the recent efficacy evaluation results on Syrian hamsters infected with COVID-19, even at low doses, this candidate substance improved lung lesions by 41.3?48.9%, which is about twice as high as the control group (Remdesivir 24.8%).

In the preliminary hamster model test phase, co-administration with Remdesivir confirmed nearly 90% improvement in lung lesions. Tests on the dose-dependent combined effect of Remdesivir and CWP291 are underway. PCR tests measuring the amount of virus remaining in lung tissue also confirmed the superior reduction effect of CWP291.

CWP291 is an innovative new drug candidate that inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway involved in cancer cell growth and cancer stem cells. Based on the GRP78 binding mechanism and safety profile of CWP291 confirmed in previous phase 1 clinical trials of targeted anticancer drugs, JW Pharmaceutical has been exploring its potential as a COVID-19 treatment. The company expects that the efficacy observed in animal model evaluations of CWP291 for pulmonary fibrosis, completed earlier this year, which exceeded that of existing drugs, will also be beneficial in treating lung diseases in COVID-19 patients.

The company plans to initiate phase 2 clinical trials targeting COVID-19 patients. Lee Sung-yeol, CEO of JW Pharmaceutical, stated, "Having confirmed the development potential as a COVID-19 treatment through cell experiments and animal model evaluations, we will fulfill the pharmaceutical industry's role in overcoming COVID-19 by promoting clinical trials, technology exports, and joint research."

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