Tokyo University Research: Pancreatitis Drug Nafamostat May Treat COVID-19
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This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
A research team at the University of Tokyo announced that Nafamostat, an existing acute pancreatitis treatment drug, may be effective against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease), and will begin clinical research in collaboration with Japan's National Center for Global Health and Medicine.
Nafamostat has already been confirmed to have similar effects against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), another coronavirus. Additionally, regarding Camostat, another acute pancreatitis treatment drug with the same active ingredient as Nafamostat, a German research team reached the same conclusion and is considering combining Camostat with other antiviral drugs.
According to a report by Jiji Press, the team, led by Professor Junichiro Inoue from the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo, will soon begin clinical research in collaboration with Japan's National Center for Global Health and Medicine. The University of Tokyo research team determined that Nafamostat can prevent the virus from entering human cells in the early stages of infection, and will conduct experimental drug administration in trial participants.
Japan is actively researching the potential of various existing drugs to treat COVID-19, hoping to achieve breakthroughs in drug efficacy and safety. Currently, drugs under investigation include anti-HIV drugs and influenza treatments.
Source: https://medical.jiji.com/news/29568
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