Results of the study on the drug, itolizumab, which treats cytokine storms, are expected by mid-July NEW DELHI : Biocon Biologics India Ltd has started clinical trials for the novel biologic, itolizumab, to treat cytokine storms, a leading cause of death among severe covid-19 patients.
The drug was launched in 2013 to treat plaque psoriasis. However, it is now repurposing the drug for prevention and treatment of covid-19 complications after seven years of post-marketing safety data.
The Drug Controller General of India has allowed the Biocon Ltd subsidiary to run clinical trials in patients with covid-19 complications, Sandeep Athalye, said senior vice president and chief medical officer, Biocon Biologics. “We believe the unique mechanism