Wed Sep 18 01:36:30 UTC 2024: ## Hyundai Bioscience Partners with UCSD to Test Antiviral for Long-COVID

**SAN DIEGO, CA** – Hyundai Bioscience USA has announced a collaboration with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) to conduct a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of its antiviral drug Xafty® in treating Long-COVID. The trial, led by UCSD Professor Ajay Bharti, will investigate the potential of Xafty®, which is based on the drug niclosamide, to alleviate the complex symptoms associated with Long-COVID.

Xafty® has demonstrated promising results in a previous phase 2 clinical trial, showing faster symptom improvement rates than existing treatments, particularly for high-risk COVID-19 patients. This trial was conducted in Korea, and Hyundai Bioscience is currently in the process of applying for Phase 3 clinical trials with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“There is no current therapy available for Long-COVID, which affects millions of people worldwide,” said Professor Davey Smith, Director of the UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI). “This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to potentially address this debilitating condition.”

The study is particularly exciting due to Xafty®’s multi-mechanism approach to tackling Long-COVID. While existing treatments primarily focus on suppressing the virus, Xafty® aims to address the underlying inflammation, nerve damage, and potential residual viral activity that contribute to the chronic symptoms of Long-COVID.

“We are excited about the potential of Xafty® to provide a practical treatment option for Long-COVID patients,” said Dr. Smith. “This trial could have a significant impact on the lives of many individuals struggling with this complex disease.”

The clinical trial will delve into Xafty®’s ability to:

* Suppress the virus
* Inhibit inflammation
* Promote nerve recovery and neuroprotection

Hyundai Bioscience, known for its innovative drug delivery technologies, believes Xafty® holds significant promise for Long-COVID treatment due to niclosamide’s proven broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy and its ability to promote dopamine production and nerve cell recovery, as shown in preclinical studies for Parkinson’s disease.

This groundbreaking partnership between Hyundai Bioscience and UCSD aims to pave the way for a much-needed treatment for Long-COVID, providing hope to millions impacted by the condition.

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