Daewoong Pharmaceutical "Aiming for Conditional Approval of COVID-19 Treatment in January Next Year"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced on the 23rd that it has completed patient recruitment for Phase 2 clinical trials of Hoistar tablets, which are being developed as a treatment for COVID-19.

This clinical trial targets patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. As clinical results are expected to be secured within this year, the company aims to obtain emergency use authorization by January next year.

The COVID-19 virus requires an attachment process to human cells as the first step to invade and replicate inside the body. Camostat, the main ingredient of Hoistar tablets, inhibits replication by interfering with this attachment process.

It is explained that administering the drug to COVID-19 patients can prevent symptom worsening, and administering it to close contacts suspected of infection, those suspected of symptoms, and self-quarantined individuals can block the virus from invading cells.

Seung-ho Jeon, CEO of Daewoong Pharmaceutical, said, "Hoistar tablets have already proven their safety through over 10 years of prescription to pancreatitis patients," adding, "It will become a primary treatment like 'Tamiflu' for COVID-19."

He continued, "Through Hoistar prescriptions, we are accelerating development so that COVID-19 can be managed like a common cold, where the disease ends at a mild stage and prevention is also possible."

Daewoong Pharmaceutical is also conducting global clinical trials of Hoistar tablets in collaboration with the Korea Pasteur Institute and the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences. Based on the results of this Phase 2 trial, Daewoong Pharmaceutical plans to actively cooperate with overseas authorities as well as government agencies such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Science and ICT.