Sun Pharma starts testing plant-based drug as potential treatment for Covid-19

India’s largest drugmaker Sun Pharma has launched clinical trials of a plant-derived drug, AQCH, for the potential treatment of Covid-19

AQCH was originally developed for dengue but the pharmaceutical company is conducting trials to see if it can treat Covid-19.

The trial will be conducted across 12 centres in India on 210 patients and results are expected by October.

Dilip Shanghvi, Managing Director, Sun Pharma said, “This is the first phytopharmaceutical drug approved for clinical trials by the DCGI as a potential treatment for Covid-19. AQCH has shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in-vitro studies conducted in collaboration with ICGEB, Italy. These results combined with information on mechanism of action through in-vitro and small animal studies give us the confidence to evaluate this potential treatment option for Covid-19 patients”

Sun Pharma received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for the AQCH trial in April, data from the clinical trials registry of the country showed.

Two other Indian companies, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Strides Pharma Science are also conducting trials in the country for potential Covid-19 treatments.