Zydus takes a step forward in treating COVID-19

On Monday, Cadila Healthcare announced that its subsidiary, Zydus Wellness Limited has obtained DCGI approval for the use of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b in treating COVID-19. Higher clinical improvement is shown by the Phase III clinical trials with Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b in COVID-19. 

The interim results indicate that PegIFN when applied at an early stage could help patients recover faster and also, helps in avoiding complications observed in the advanced stages of the disease. Several add-ons advantage can be seen in PegIFN in COVID-19 as compared to parallel anti-viral agents. The treatment for Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b would be less complicated and more affordable for patients as it is a single-dose regimen. It also aims to ensure better compliance.   

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b therapy has been a well-established safety having multiple doses administered in chronic hepatitis B and C patients for the past years. The body sees a reduction in the ability to produce Interferon Alpha to fight viral infections and this may be associated with higher mortality in elderly patients. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b can replace this deficiency and aid a faster recovery process. The trials in Phase-III were conducted on 250 patients across 20-25 centres in India and the in-depth results were published in a peer-review scientific journal. The company has applied for an additional indication with DCGI for use of PegIFN in the treatment of COVID-19. 

Cadila Healthcare Limited is an India-based pharmaceutical company while Zydus Wellness Limited is one of its subsidiaries. Zydus Cadila discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of healthcare therapies, including small molecule drugs, biologic therapeutics & vaccines. 

On Monday, the share of Cadila Healthcare was trading 0.41 per cent down at Rs 440 on BSE.