Anti-Leprosy Drug Trials started by CSIR against COVID-19

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has started the trials of anti-leprosy drug trials against COVID-19. The drug trial is to be conducted with the help of Mycobacterium MW.

Highlights

The Mycobacterium MW is a heat killed bacteria. It is to be tried on different COVID-19 patients. The drug trial was approved by the Drug Controller General of India. One particular strain of bacteria called the Mycobacterium MW is to be tried on several COVID-19 patients. The drug has already proved its effectivity against leprosy.

The CSIR is also trying phytopharmaceuticals

Phytopharmaceuticals

The Phytopharmaceuticals are herbal medicines. They contain one or more plant products as Active Ingredients. Phytopharmaceuticals are preferred to synthetic drugs as their benefit-risk ratios are higher.

What is Mycobacterium MW?

Mycobacterium MW is a strain of mycobacterium. It is a non-pathogenic, non-specific immune potentiating, rapidly growing atypical mycobacterium. This strain of bacteria shares a common T and B cell determinants with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae.

The heat killed bacteria induces T-cell responses. This induces the responses of the cells against tumor cells as well.

About the Trial

Along with CSIR Gujarat based pharma-giant Cadila Pharmaceuticals will also join the Mycobacterium trial. The hospitals that are to participate in the trial includes AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Chandigarh and AIIMS Bhopal.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020