The Wuhan Institute of Virology applied for a patent on an experimental drug developed by Gilead Sciences Inc.
Wuhan Institute of Virology aims for a patent on Coronavirus cure
China just announced, that the Wuhan Institute of Virology, applied for an immediate patent for an experimental drug that is working effectively in curing the Novel Coronavirus strain.
The institute is a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) of virology, located in Wuhan, Hubei, China.
The experimental drug that the institute applied a patent for is known as Remdesivir. It was manufactured and reproduced by an American biotechnology company, Gilead Sciences Inc. The company is a leading innovator in the field of biopharmaceutical, which deals with antiviral drugs for influenza, hepatitis B and C, and treatment for HIV.
The patent application was submitted last January 21. Scientists from the Wuhan Institute of Virology have tested Remdesivir and Chloroquine in clinical trials in China and showed great promise in solving the coronavirus manifestation.
Possible cure for the Novel Coronavirus
Chloroquine is an 80-year-old drug used to treat malaria infections. The drug showed impressive results in fighting the Novel Coronavirus strain during the laboratory testing phase.
China can manufacture Chloroquine, and the next thing they want is access and control over the other drug Remdesivir. This is something that the intellectual property authorities in China shall discuss in the upcoming days.
According to Merdad Parsey, Gilead Sciences’ Chief medical officer:
Our company is shipping enough stocks to treat around 500 patients for the clinical trials. For now, Remdesivir is being used in two trials, patients with moderate and severe symptoms of the Coronavirus.
If the application for a patent will be awarded to the Wuhan Institute, then Gilead is expected to lose its control over the drug’s production in China.
But, the institute loudly expresses that the patent application is out of national interest. Any partnership from foreign pharmaceutical firms in dealing with the Coronavirus will automatically waive off patent rights over the experimental drug.
