The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals has initiated a clinical trial to evaluate heat killed Mycobacterium w (Mw), anti-bacteria drug—which is currently used to treat gram-negative sepsis — for management of the critically ill COVID-19 patients.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has already approved the trial and it will start soon at multiple hospitals where COVID-19 infected patients are being treated.
Incidentally, the Mw, an approved immunomodulatory in India since 1998 was developed after an extensive research, carried out by Indian scientists spanning more than two decades for saving lives of critically ill patients suffering from gram-negative sepsis.
It induces a pure potent Th1 response following its administration through the intradermal route.
The CSIR had through its New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) program had supported Cadila Pharmaceuticals for developing the drug (Mw) .
Now, “looking at similarities between clinical characteristics of patients suffering from COVID-19 and gramnegative sepsis, the CSIR in partnership with Cadila Pharmaceuticals is now trying to evaluate this drug (Mw) in critically ill COVID-19 patients to reduce the mortality.
“It is found to be extremely safe in patients and no systemic side effects are associated with its use. It can be used concurrently with any other therapies required in the management of such critically ill patients without any restriction,” said an official from the CSIR.
The trial will be a randomised, blinded, two arms, active comparator-controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Mycobacterium w in providing prophylaxis against COVID-19 infection.
The CSIR had through its New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) program had supported Cadila Pharmaceuticals for developing the drug (Mw) for saving lives of critically ill patients suffering from gram-negative sepsis.