[Coronavirus] GC Pharma selected for state project to develop plasma treatment

By Lim Chang-won Posted : May 4, 2020, 11:05 Updated : May 4, 2020, 11:05

[Courtesy of GC Pharma]


SEOUL -- GC Pharma has been selected for a state project to develop an immunoglobulin drug based on plasma containing antibodies that neutralize a novel coronavirus. The biotech company waits for clinical trials after completing preparations for test production.

GC Pharma said Monday that it has been selected by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), a state health watchdog, as a preferred bidder for a research task to develop plasma treatment.

Plasma treatment is different from plasma therapy which involves the infusions of blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors to patients. GC Pharma is ready to carry out clinical trials in July at the latest.

South Korean drug and bio companies have jumped into the race to develop vaccines or treatments, while doctors have formed a task force to find proper treatment by mixing antiviral drugs including Remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral medication developed by Gilead Sciences.

Remdesivir, which was originally developed to treat Ebola virus disease, is being tested as a treatment for COVID-19. South Korean health officials have said that they would seek special permission to expedite imports of Remdesivir.
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기