Zydus Cadila Tests COVID-19 Drug, Seeks DCGI's Regulatory Approval

Ahmedabad-based Zydus Cadila has sought approval from the drug regulator to use its viral hepatitis drugs to treat COVID-19. Zydus has claimed that during the phase-3 trial, its drugs - Pegyalated Interferon Alpha 2b and PegiHepTM - resulted in 91.15% efficacy. The drugs also reduced the supplemental oxygen need of patients from 84 to 56 hours. Moreover, the hepatitis B and hepatitis C-treating drug ‘PegIFN’ is a single-dose affordable regimen.