[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] The stock price of Korea Pharma is on the rise. It appears that the news of a study showing that povidone-iodine solution, mainly used for disinfection to prevent bacterial infections, can stop the activity of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a short time is influencing the stock price.
As of 9:26 a.m. on the 29th, Korea Pharma is trading at 24,400 KRW, up 5.4% from the previous day.
According to the SBS "8 o'clock News" report on the 28th, a study has found that povidone-iodine solution rapidly suppresses COVID-19 virus activity.
The report stated that a study from the University of Connecticut in the United States showed that povidone-iodine spray applied inside the nose quickly suppresses the COVID-19 virus.
In the study, povidone solutions of varying concentrations were sprayed on petri dishes cultured with the COVID-19 virus and compared with 70% alcohol. Even at a low concentration of 0.5%, exposure for 15 seconds showed a greater inhibitory effect than 70% alcohol. Earlier, a Singapore research team also confirmed the COVID-19 suppression effect in June.
The World Health Organization also recommends that patients suspected of having COVID-19 rinse their mouths with this solution for 20 seconds to reduce the amount of virus that could be transmitted to medical staff.
However, opinions among experts are divided. Some experts advocate using povidone-iodine solution as a COVID-19 disinfectant, while others say there is still insufficient evidence.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's Integrated Drug Information System, Korea Pharma sells Betadine solution, which contains povidone-iodine.
A Korea Pharma official explained, "We supply Betadine solution to hospitals," adding, "Hospitals use it as a cleansing solution to disinfect bacteria."
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