Drug Controller General Of India (DCGI) gave a restricted emergency use approval to the Zydus Cadila’s ‘Virafin’ for treating the patients showing moderate COVID-19 symptoms.
Context
Drug Controller General Of India (DCGI) gave a restricted emergency use approval to the Zydus Cadila’s ‘Virafin’ for treating the patients showing moderate COVID-19 symptoms.
What is Virafin?
- ‘Virafin’ is pegylated interferon alpha-2b.
- Interferons are signalling proteins that help the body’s immune system defend against viral infections.
- Before it was repurposed for COVID-19, pegylated interferon alpha 2b was used to help treat Hepatitis C.
Clinical testing of Virafin
- For the development of Virafin, Zydus appreciated the support provided by DBT-BIRAC COVID 19 Research Consoritumthrough NBM, for conducting the Phase II human clinical trial studies.
- The studies confirmed the safety, tolerability and efficacy of Virafin.
- The studies also reported that Viarfin reduces viral load and aid in managing the disease in a better way, such as reduction in the need for supplemental oxygen, thereby reducing the respiratory tension caused due to low oxygen levels.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), promotes the use and application of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, animal sciences, environment and industry.
- Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Section 8, Schedule B, Public Sector Enterprise.
- It is set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), as an Interface Agency to strengthen and empower the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant product development needs
Zydus Cadila:
- Also known as Cadila Healthcare Limited is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India primarily engaged in the manufacture of generic drugs.
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