Demonstrating Treatment and Prevention Effects Through Paper Presentation
COVID-19 Therapeutic Clinical Trials Under Central IRB Review After Hospital Selection
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Genencell announced on the 4th that it has demonstrated the therapeutic and preventive effects of the raw material 'Dampalsu leaf extract,' a new drug candidate under development, against Influenza A virus.
Influenza A virus is a highly infectious and pathogenic virus that causes acute respiratory diseases. It mainly causes seasonal flu and can spread into severe infectious diseases such as novel flu or the Spanish flu due to mutations.
Experts both domestically and internationally have expressed concerns about the confusion that could arise if influenza and COVID-19 epidemics occur simultaneously. The new drug candidate 'ES16001,' based on a novel material derived from Dampalsu, currently in Phase 2/3 clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, is expected to have inhibitory effects against the influenza virus.
Genencell plans to conduct clinical trials targeting influenza virus as an indication after completing the COVID-19 treatment clinical trials. In the event of an influenza pandemic, they may apply directly for Phase 2 clinical trials.
Research participants include Genencell, Kyung Hee University Biomedical Research Center (BMRI), Chung-Ang University Department of Life Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University Department of Bio-Mechatronics, Korea Pharma, and Swiss RDP Pharma.
Through joint research, Genencell confirmed that major components of Dampalsu, such as 'Geraniin' and 'Penta Galloyl Glucose (PGG),' inhibit the infection and replication of the influenza virus and protect against invasion into host cells.
A Genencell official stated, "Through the research, we expect that Dampalsu extract will aid recovery from influenza infection and reduce mortality, showing therapeutic effects," adding, "Prevention is also expected to be possible through interactions between the major components and the virus."
Genencell's research results were published in the latest issue of the prestigious international journal in the field of natural medicine, Phytomedicine (IF 5.34).
Meanwhile, the clinical trials for the COVID-19 treatment drug 'ES16001' have selected three institutions: Catholic University Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Kyung Hee University Hospital, and Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, and are currently undergoing review by the Central IRB (Institutional Review Board). Additionally, a separate Phase 2a clinical trial for a shingles treatment is also underway.
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