[Special Stock] Prostemics Rises on China's Approval of COVID-19 Treatment 'Actemra'

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Prostemics, which holds patents related to the rheumatoid arthritis treatment 'Actemra,' is on the rise as Chinese authorities have decided to use it for treating COVID-19.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 5th, as of 12 PM, Prostemics' stock price is trading at 3,860 KRW, up about 7.5% from the previous day. This appears to be because Prostemics holds patents related to 'Actemra,' a COVID-19 treatment selected by Chinese authorities.

According to major foreign media, the National Health Commission (NHC) of China announced that it will administer 'Actemra' by Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche Holding AG to COVID-19 patients showing severe lung damage. Actemra does not directly kill the virus but inhibits the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 receptor. IL-6 has been identified as a major cause of excessive immune response in COVID-19 patients.

Prostemics has already registered patents related to 'immune suppression and anti-inflammatory compositions' using animal cells and others. By inhibiting the activity of signaling factors in immune cells, it suppresses the release of inflammation-inducing cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, enabling fundamental and rapid treatment of pneumonia caused by viral infection.

In addition, JW Pharmaceutical, which holds exclusive domestic sales rights for Actemra, is also experiencing a sharp rise. At the same time, JW Pharmaceutical is trading at 29,750 KRW, up 19% from the previous day.