Mecoxcuremed-Catholic University, Research Agreement for COVID-19 Treatment Development

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Mekox Curemed, a bio company specializing in new drug development, announced on the 27th that it has signed a joint development research agreement with Catholic University to develop a novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) treatment using the antiviral efficacy of M002-A, an extract of Chopi tree leaves, the main ingredient of Bozanics, a natural product-based anti-inflammatory and analgesic for osteoarthritis, which is preparing for full-scale clinical trials.

The cytokine storm is an excessive immune response in the human body caused by the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) during viral infections such as COVID-19, and is identified as a cause of death in patients.

Mekox Curemed’s M002-A, whose main ingredient is the natural substance Chopi tree leaf extract, is known to contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory active compounds, and its own experimental results have confirmed its efficacy in reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines.

Through this joint research with Catholic University for the development of the treatment, after confirming definitive antiviral effects, the company plans to prepare for clinical trials for full-scale development of the treatment, and will also conduct proactive research to respond to new variant viruses as well as COVID-19.

A Mekox Curemed official stated, “The Chopi tree leaf extract is the same main ingredient as Bozanics, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for osteoarthritis that is about to begin full-scale clinical trials,” adding, “Since it is composed of natural substances, it has very high safety and no side effects, making it a highly effective treatment even for patients with weakened immune functions.”