Sun Pharma to Repurpose Plant-Based Experimental Dengue Drug for COVID-19, an Industrial Info Market Brief

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Indian pharma-giant Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct clinical trials of an experimental plant-based dengue drug to examine its efficacy in treating COVID-19.

In May 2016, Sun Pharma entered into an exclusive agreement with International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) to develop a novel botanical drug, derived from Cocculus hirsutus - a tropical invasive-creeper, for the treatment of dengue fever. The current randomized trial would help evaluate efficacy and safety of oral tablets containing an aqueous extract of the herb.

Cocculus hirsutus is used in herbal medicines in many parts of South Asia due to its diuretic and laxative properties. According to India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scientists, the herb has antiviral properties, which have been found to be effective in cases of dengue disease in the initial stages of human trials. Industrial Info is tracking 21 Sun Pharma projects worth $132.28 million. Click here for a list.