NEW DELHI: Biocon Biologics India has started clinical trials of its novel biologic itolizumab for treating cytokine storms, which is one of the leading causes of death among critical covid-19 patients.
The novel biologic was launched by the company in 2013 for treating plaque psoriasis. The company is now repurposing the drug for prevention and treatment of covid-19 complications after seven years of post-marketing safety data.
The subsidiary of Biocon Ltd has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for clinical trials of itolizumab in patients with covid-19 complications, Sandeep Athalye, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Biocon Biologics, told Mint in a statement. “We believe that the unique