Zydus seeks nod for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Zydus Cadila has sought DCGI’s approval for the use of Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2b to treat COVID-19. The vaccine maker said that its Phase III clinical trials with Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2b has shown promising results in managing the virus. It found that if the medication is innoculated in the initial stages, could help patients in recuperating quicker and avoiding much of the complications seen in the advanced stages of the disease, the company claimed.

Zydus Cadila also said that 91.15% of patients who were administered with PegIFN were RT PCR negative by day 7 as compared to 78.90% on the standard of care (SOC) arm. Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Cadila Healthcare, commented, “We are encouraged by the results of Phase III study of Pegylated Interferon alpha 2b which has confirmed the potential to reduce virus titres when given earlier in the disease. At Zydus, we stand committed to our endeavour of supporting patients and caregivers with access to treatment options that are affordable and can help in better disease management of COVID 19 at different stages.”