Coronavirus: DGCI approves ‘restricted use’ of anti-HIV Drugs on nCoV Patients

ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) had sought an emergency approval from the DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) for the ‘restricted use’ of the combination of 2 medications — lopinavir and ritonavir — for treatment of this respiratory ailment

This combination along with other drugs has been used in clinical trials in China, where the coronavirus first emerged, and Thailand for treating nCoV-affected patients

The Drug Controller General of India has approved the “restricted use” of a combination of drugs used widely for controlling HIV infection in public health emergency for treating those affected by novel coronavirus (nCoV), official sources said on Wednesday.

The three people from Kerala who contracted coronavirus (Covid-19) recovered without the use of any drugs, and India has adequate supply of the combination of two antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV and AIDS and are being used to treat Sars-CoV-2, said a scientist at one of the labs run by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the condition of anonymity.

The fixed dose combination of anti-HIV drugs— Lopinavir and Ritonavir — has been used with other drugs in China with varying results, but not in India yet.

The Drug Controller General of India last month approved its restricted use, keeping in view the public health emergency situation that was likely to emerge with cases rising worldwide.

“As an emergency public health measure this can be given to symptomatic patients; about two tablets a day of 400mg dosage for about 14 days is what we advise. It’s a fixed dose combination, which means a single tablet will have both the medicines. It has not been given to anyone so far in India, most patients are on supportive therapy, and stable,” the ICMR scientist added.

“Five patients who required supplemental oxygen also received lopinavir-ritonavir: three experienced a reduction in the need for supplemental oxygen within three days, while two saw their condition worsen. For all patients, the median duration of viral shedding was 12 days,” according to the research.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-patients-recovered-without-drugs-expert/story-PwaCRdEXxx9YQyWEMRVvZO.html

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-dgci-approves-restricted-use-of-anti-hiv-drugs-on-ncov-patients-11580912411703.html