Kochi-based Pharma Gets Approval to Start Phase-2 Trials for COVID-19 Drug

Central Licensing Authority, under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, has granted approval to Kochi-based pharma, PNB Vesper to begin phase-2 trials of a COVID-19 drug. The drug, 'PNB001', which is a new chemical entity (one that contains molecules which have never been approved by USFDA), is the first-of-its-kind to start phase-2 trials. According to the company's Chief Executive P.N.Balaram, the molecule was originally developed to treat lung cancer.