Sihuan Pharma (HK: 0460) has started a China clinical trial of favipiravir, an RNA polymerase inhibitor, to treat COVID-19. The oral drug was co-developed by Sihuan and the Institute of Microbiology Epidemiology of the Academy of Military Medical Sciences. In 2014, Sihuan's tests of favipiravir showed it was an effective treatment for Ebola, and it is now used for emergency treatment in Ebola patients. China's Human Genetic Resources Management Office reviewed and approved the COVID-19 trial in one day. If favipiravir proves effective against the COVID-19 virus, Sihuan promised to distribute it for free.

Sihuan says favipiravir is a broad-spectrum ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase inhibitor. After oral absorption, it is converted into a bioactive nucleoside triphosphate compound, similar in structure to purine, and thus competes with purine to inhibit RNA polymerase, a process that inhibits virus replication. In addition, it has been found that the nucleoside triphosphate compound of favipiravir can also be inserted into the virus RNA chain, inducing fatal mutation of the virus.

Dr. Che Fengsheng, Chairman and Executive Director of Sihuan Pharmaceutical, said, "After all the efforts and preparations, our group is fully prepared for favipiravir raw material and preparation production. Once approved, favipiravir tablets will be provided for free as a treatment protection for COVID-19 patients during the epidemic, bringing good news to patients.

Sihuan Pharmaceutical will contribute to overcome the epidemic with social responsibility and strength."
The trial is being led by Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, with Professor Tong Zhaohui as the leading researcher. Another two research centers include Union Hospital affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital.

The trials are random, parallel dose exploration studies with three dosage groups to explore the best treatment regimen of favipiravir for COVID-19 patients. A total of 60 cases of regular COVID-19 patients will be recruited for a treatment period of 10 days. With the data, Sihuan will start larger-scale trials that verify efficacy and safety.

Founded in 2001, Sihuan Pharma has 21 subsidiaries and integrated R&D, production and marketing and sales capabilities. Its research program includes over 1,000 researchers conducting more than 110 pharmaceutical projects currently. Its pipeline includes candidates for diabetes, oncology, anti-infectives and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

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Disclosure: none.