A new candidate for the COVID-19 drug is in progress and can cure mild cases of the virus. The drug is undergoing its first phase of trials which will end this month. Here is what you need to know about this drug.
India’s new COVID-19 drug
iSera Biological, a biosciences company from Kolhapur, Maharashtra is testing a new COVID-19 drug. This indigenous drug claims to cure mild to moderate infections of coronavirus. According to the firm’s report, the drug’s early tests are promising and infected patients tested negative. It can do this within 72 to 90 hours. It is currently under the first phase of trials which will end by the end of August 2021.
“As of now, it does look like a promising drug. The principles on which it is based are well-established. So, we will have to wait for the results of human trials. If found effective, it will be a very suitable drug, especially for a country like India. So, I think this would be a very affordable drug. Compared to a few similar international products that are available,” said Professor N K Ganguly. Ganguly is the former director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
More on iSera Biological
iSera Biological took help from the Serum Institute of India (SII) in drug development. In the last four years, the firm spent time developing antiserum products for rabies, diptheria, and snake bites. Additionally iSera Biological has also developed a robust antibody cocktail for COVID-19 patients with mild or moderate illnesses.
The antibody serum contains specific antibodies that neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The development of antibodies takes place by injecting horses with specific antigens obtained from the virus. Additionally, the serum undergoes several steps of purification before sales. Moreover, horses are great subjects for antibody development as they produce large quantities of antibodies.
