TOKYO: An experimental treatment by Shionogi & Co Ltd has shown rapid elimination of the virus that causes Covid-19, according to new data, the Japanese drugmaker said on Sunday.
The S-217622 pill “demonstrated rapid clearance of the infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus,” Shionogi said in a statement, citing Phase 2b results from the Phase II/III clinical trial of the drug.
The company has global ambitions for the antiviral pill, which is currently being evaluated by Japanese regulators.
The results, released Sunday, also showed that “there was no significant difference in the total score of 12 Covid-19 symptoms between the treatment arms,” although the drug showed improvement on a composite score of five “respiratory and febrile” symptoms, said Shionogi.
The drugmaker said in March it would launch a global Phase III trial for the drug worldwide with US government support, and Chief Executive Isao Teshirogi said production could reach 10 million doses a year.
Shionogi’s shares have taken a rollercoaster ride amid speculation about the treatment’s success. The stock rose on Friday after a report that the US government is in talks to purchase supplies of the drug.
On April 13, the stock fell as much as 16% on reports that the drug could pose risks to pregnancy, based on preclinical data.
