Currently, research on repurposed drugs is gaining importance amid worsening COVID-19 infection globally. Research into repurposed drugs is largely focussed on anti-malarials, anti-rheumatoid arthritis, and anti-HIV medicines. Additionally, research is focussed on vaccines (for example, mRNA- 1273), novel drugs including new chemical entities (for example, tradipitant) and new biological entities (for example, CMAB-806). However, vaccines and innovative drugs will take at least 12 – 18 months at the earliest to get the approval for COVID-19.
The drugs being used for repurposing are a relatively easier way of finding the treatment and prophylaxis option as repurposed drugs already have proven safety and efficacy in other indications compared to innovative drugs and repurposed drugs could be made available quickly if they are approved for COVID-19 by the regulatory bodies considering COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect many countries across the globe. Furthermore, the production capacity already exists for such largely generic drugs. Countries across the globe are looking for a quick solution for both treatment and prophylaxis against COVID-19 infection. Moreover, it is critical to find a solution now as the COVID-19 infection curve will take a few months to flatten out even in the best-case scenarios being projected by experts.
Repurposed drugs
This story is from the May 2020 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2020 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ushering Fourth Industrial Revolution in Telangana
Taking advantage of the 21st edition of BioAsia 2024 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) in Madhapur, the Government of Telangana, a southern state in India, leveraged the confluence of the global platform to spearhead initiatives aimed at propelling the state into the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR).
How Indian Biotech Investments are on a Doubling Spree
A latest report by Ankur Capital provides a closer look at the investments made in biotechnology in the last decade in the country.
"AI will be integrally involved in not only the diagnosis of cancer but also in determining the prognosis and best therapeutic option”
South Korea-based Deep Bio, a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare firm focused on cancer pathology, is making waves in the industry.
"Because of its specificity and selectivity, ADCS have the potential to reduce adverse side effects and improve patient survival"
Japan-headquartered Daiichi Sankyo, the global healthcare company, launched its subsidiary Daiichi Sankyo Singapore Pte. Ltd. to bridge unmet needs in oncology.
Can Test, Treat, Track Beat Malaria?
Malaria has long been a major public health concern in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in South East Asia (SEA) affecting millions of people.
Engineering CAR T cell sharpshooters
Approved CAR T-cell therapies have shown remarkable results in patients with certain types of blood cancers.
Addressing Challenges in Cell Therapy Manufacturing
Even with significant advancements, there are still anumber of issues with cell therapy manufacturing that need to be resolved as production grows.
"We anticipate India will adopt decentralised models for managing CGTs, ensuring closer proximity between patients and treatment facilities"
Cell and gene therapy (CGT) expert from Germany, Miltenyi Biotec has recently announced its entry into the Indian market to provide researchers, scientists and clinicians easier access to expertise, research, and manufacturing solutions.
Addressing Accessibility and Affordability of CELL & GENE THERAPIES
Cell and gene therapies (CGT) are one of the hottest sectors in the pharmaceutical industry.
Korea designs sweat resistant wearable robot sensor
New electromyography (EMG) sensor technology that allows the long-term stable control of wearable robots and is not affected by the wearer's sweat and dead skin has gained attention recently.
