Over 10 years experience of Traceability Solutions
By pharmatrax
Category: News
No CommentsAs the world rushes to identify the best coronavirus treatments and vaccines, John Cahill rounds up the latest developments in potential COVID-19 therapies.
Those who have worked in the regulatory, research, development or manufacturing area for drug products have most likely been drawn to read the many scientific and technical advances that are being fast tracked at present in response to the current global emergency. Caused by SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 coronavirus has spread across the globe at a rapid pace.
For those in an industry who comprehend the lengthy and expensive process of drug discovery, testing and trials, the speed and urgency at which the pharmaceutical industry is moving to develop an effective vaccine and treatment is something to be proud of. It is now understood by researchers, companies and regulators that while ensuring safety, efficacy and quality are still of critical importance, speed is now paramount.
Table 1 below summarises the many other candidates at different stages of the condensed drug development lifecycle.
Table 1. Selection of drug candidates for the vaccination and treatment of COVID-19:
Company/research | Drug/vaccine candidate | Development stage |
MIGAL | Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) vaccine | Pre-clinical trials |
APEIRON Biologics | APN01 | Phase I |
Tonix Pharmaceuticals | TNX-1800 | Initial evaluation |
Innovation Pharmaceuticals | Brilacidin | Initial evaluation |
Clover Biopharmaceuticals | S-Trimer vaccine | Pre-clinical trials |
Vaxart | TBC | Pre-clinical trials |
CytoDyn | Leronlimab | Phase II for HIV and fast tracked for COVID-19 |
Applied DNA Sciences and Takis Biotech | Linear DNA Vaccine | Pre-clinical trials |
BIOXYTRAN | BX-25 | TBC |
Novavax | MERS coronavirus vaccine | Phase I in 2020 |
Biocryst Pharma | Galidesivir | Advanced animal testing |
Takeda | H-IG therapy | TBC |
Heat Biologics | gp96 vaccine | Early development |
Pfizer and BioNTech | mRNA vaccine, BNT162 | Clinical programme development with Fosun in China |
Generex | Ii-Key immune system activation | Clinical programme development in China |
Vir Biotechnology/Wuxi
Vir Biotechnology/Alnylam |
MABs binding to virus
siRNA candidates |
TBC |
Janssen Pharmaceuticals | PREZCOBIX® HIV medication (darunavir/cobicistat) | TBC |
As evident above, drug discovery and clinical research activities in COVID-19 prevention and treatment is increasing in pace; it would not be surprising if a workable vaccine has already been discovered and is being tested at present. However, it will take some time to establish the complete safety and efficacy of the successful candidates. Despite this, with the combined knowledge and current urgency that now exists in R&D, we should have reason to be confident of a future without COVID-19. In the meantime, although unfortunately this may still be some months away, we must follow national health authority guidance, trust in science and stay safe for each other.
Source: https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/article/115842/potential-covid-19-therapeutics-currently-in-development/