Seo Jeong-jin: "COVID-19 Antibody Treatment Will Reduce Severe Patients by 60%"

Revealed Start of Preliminary Consultation on Treatment with US Authorities
"We Will Develop Vaccines and Supply Them Cheaply for the World"

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Seo Jung-jin, Honorary Chairman of Celltrion, stated that the antibody treatment for COVID-19, 'Rekkirona-ju,' which was developed in-house, can reduce severe cases by more than 60%, and expressed his intention to develop a vaccine in the future and distribute it affordably not only in Korea but also globally, including the United States.

Honorary Chairman Seo made these remarks during a meeting with Thomas Byrne, Chairman of the Korea Society, held on the 19th (local time).

Chairman Seo said, "Our antibody treatment has been distributed in Korea, but people are anxious because of the vaccine," adding, "As the virus continues to mutate, if foreign pharmaceutical companies are slow to assist Korea, (Celltrion) will produce it directly."

He mentioned that a vaccine candidate substance has already been developed, stating, "Since Korea has secured a treatment, it now has a combat weapon." He predicted that the treatment could reduce severe cases by more than 60%. Accordingly, he judged that Korea's COVID-19 damage would decrease further and that the Korean economy would not worsen.

Honorary Chairman Seo seemed aware of doubts raised about Rekkirona-ju's effectiveness against variant COVID-19, saying, "I cannot sleep because of the variant virus. All employees are working overnight."

Chairman Seo promised, "Pharmaceutical companies should not seek profits amid humanity's disaster. Except for the amount needed in Korea, we will provide it affordably overseas." He also revealed that discussions with U.S. regulatory authorities regarding Celltrion's treatment have already begun.

Seo recalled that 20 years ago, when planning Celltrion's business in San Francisco, he received much help from Korean expatriates and professors at Stanford University, and he did not forget their advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

Chairman Seo emphasized, "The virus disappears in three weeks. The problem is long-term damage. Once diagnosed, antibody treatment should be received early, but in the U.S., even if diagnosed with infection, it is difficult to receive immediate treatment like in Korea. It is essential to follow social distancing, wear masks, wash hands, and know the centers that administer the treatment injections nearby." He especially advised that vaccination should be done unconditionally.

He identified the reason for the U.S. death toll reaching 500,000 as the difficulty of conducting rapid testing. Even if tested and diagnosed, patients cannot visit hospitals early, and by the time they do, their condition worsens and the virus is no longer present in the body, leaving hospitals unable to help. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of early treatment.

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