UCSD and Hyundai Bioscience Launch Trial for Long COVID Treatment with Xafty

Long COVID has emerged as a significant health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This condition, characterized by lingering symptoms following a COVID-19 infection, poses a complex challenge for both patients and healthcare providers. Symptoms can range from chronic fatigue and cognitive decline to inflammation, making it difficult to find effective treatments. In a promising development, Hyundai Bioscience USA has partnered with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) to conduct an investigator-initiated trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a new antiviral drug called Xafty® in treating Long COVID.

Xafty®, developed by Hyundai Bioscience's headquarters in Korea, is a niclosamide-based oral antiviral agent. This drug has shown potential in improving the bioavailability of niclosamide, which is known for its antiviral properties against over 30 different viruses. Currently, Xafty is undergoing a phase 3 clinical trial in Korea, targeting high-risk groups for COVID-19, and is expected to apply for phase 3 approval from the U.S. FDA soon. Previous trials have indicated that Xafty can lead to faster symptom improvement compared to existing treatments, particularly in high-risk populations.

Professor Ajay Bharti, an infectious disease specialist at UCSD, will lead the trial. His expertise in the neurocognitive effects of viral illnesses positions him well to explore the potential benefits of Xafty for Long COVID patients. Professor Davey Smith, Director of the UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "There is no therapy currently available for the condition, which affects millions of people around the world." This partnership aims to address a pressing need for effective treatments for Long COVID.

Long COVID is believed to result from a combination of residual virus, excessive inflammation, and nerve damage. Existing treatments often focus on a single mechanism, which may not adequately address the complex symptoms experienced by patients. In contrast, Xafty is expected to tackle these symptoms through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation inhibition and neuroprotection. The main ingredient, niclosamide, is anticipated to provide therapeutic effects by removing the virus, suppressing immune hypersensitivity, and aiding in nerve recovery.

In a recent preclinical study on Parkinson's disease, Xafty demonstrated its ability to promote dopamine production and nerve cell recovery. This finding is particularly relevant for Long COVID patients, as cognitive impairment and brain fog are common symptoms associated with nerve damage. Dr. Bharti noted, "We already knew about the broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy of niclosamide, but after seeing data showing that Xafty showed excellent symptom improvement in a COVID-19 clinical trial, we came up with the idea of using the drug to treat Long COVID."

The goal of the ongoing clinical trial is to confirm that niclosamide can effectively address the multifaceted symptoms of Long COVID through various mechanisms. Dr. Smith expressed hope that the trial will yield successful results, providing a much-needed treatment option for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. As research continues, the collaboration between Hyundai Bioscience and UCSD represents a significant step forward in the quest for effective therapies for Long COVID.

The partnership between Hyundai Bioscience and UCSD highlights the importance of innovative research in addressing the challenges posed by Long COVID. As the trial progresses, it offers hope not only for those affected by this condition but also for the broader medical community seeking to understand and combat the long-term effects of COVID-19. The potential of Xafty to provide relief from the complex symptoms of Long COVID could pave the way for new treatment options, ultimately improving the quality of life for countless individuals.