[Special Stock] Mezion Excels in Treating COVID Variants... Government Begins Discussion on Introducing Private Payment Option

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Mezzion is showing strong performance. The government’s announcement to newly introduce the oral antiviral treatment 'Sabizabulin' amid the resurgence of COVID-19 appears to be influencing the stock price.

As of 2:22 PM on the 15th, Mezzion is trading at 21,750 KRW, up 11.25% from the previous day.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated the day before that it is reviewing the necessity of introducing the oral treatment Sabizabulin. This is to reduce the mortality rate of confirmed cases in preparation for the resurgence expected this fall and winter. Sabizabulin is an oral treatment developed by the U.S. pharmaceutical company Veru.

Existing oral treatments Paxlovid (Pfizer) and Lagevrio (MSD) must be taken immediately after confirmation to be effective, but Sabizabulin can be used for patients whose condition has already worsened to severe stages. It is known to reduce the mortality rate by half upon administration, and if introduced domestically, it is expected to become a new weapon against the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Phase 3 clinical trial results published in the international academic journal The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), Sabizabulin reduced the risk of death in severe COVID-19 patients by more than half. Veru explained, “The treatment outcomes were consistent regardless of COVID-19 variants, treatment standards, WHO criteria, age, vaccination status, or region.”

A KDCA official said, "In addition to complementing existing treatments, since it is an oral medication rather than an injection, there is potential for a wider range of prescribing institutions," but added, "However, clinical efficacy and final approval matters will need to be confirmed later." Veru, the developer of Sabizabulin, submitted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the 6th of last month. The FDA is currently reviewing the emergency use approval.

If Sabizabulin is introduced domestically, supply will be handled through Mezzion, the new drug development company. Mezzion signed an exclusive agent contract for public sector supply with Veru last month. A Mezzion official said, "It has been about five weeks since we applied for emergency use approval from the U.S. FDA, so we expect the results soon."