In the absence of a vaccine to prevent the new coronavirus infection, trial and error continues in the search for an effective remedy among drugs used for other diseases. Currently, evaluation of each drug is inconsistent and lacks decisive factors. With the decline in the number of patients in Japan, research institutions seem to be competing to secure cooperative patients to determine the effectiveness of drugs.
Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug, became a topic of conversation when U.S. President Donald Trump took it to prevent infection while its effect was unclear.
On Monday, Gunma University stopped clinical studies testing the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine and Kaletra, an AIDS drug, in patients with the coronavirus. Since the studies started in April, no patients have taken the drugs. "In addition to fewer patients, patients flocked to clinical studies using Avigan," said Yutaka Tokue, a director at the university. A series of reports from abroad questioned the effectiveness of the two drugs.
Several other drugs have been suggested. Actemra and Olumiant, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, are expected to be effective in treating seriously ill COVID-19 patients. Both are believed to suppress an overworking immune system.
Foipan and Nafamostat Mesilate, which are used to treat chronic pancreatitis and other diseases, are expected to prevent viruses from entering cells. Other drugs being tested include Alvesco, an asthma drug, and Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug. Satoshi Omura, a Nobel laureate and distinguished emeritus professor at Kitasato University, contributed to the development of Ivermectin, while Kitasato University plans to conduct a clinical trial with government support.
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