The Fosun Foundation, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd (SHA: 600196, HKG: 2196), and Henan Genuine Biotech Co., Ltd have announced the donation of RMB 100 million (USD 14.76 million) worth of the oral COVID-19 therapy azvudine to 180 counties in middle and western rural China. The donation will be made in installments to support the treatment of COVID-19 in these regions.
Azvudine: Mechanism and Approvals
Azvudine is a Category 1 anti-HIV/AIDS drug that targets RNA reverse transcriptase. It was conditionally approved for marketing in China in July 2021 to treat adult HIV-1-infected patients with a high viral load, in combination with other reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The drug received conditional approval to treat ordinary COVID-19 adult patients in July of last year and is included in the 9th and 10th COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Plans, as well as temporary National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) coverage. Azvudine has demonstrated clear therapeutic effects and benefits for the elderly and high-risk COVID-19 patients in real-world practice.
Training and Support Initiatives
In addition to the donation, the Fosun Foundation will conduct medication and health management training for primary medical staff through online streaming and online consultation. These initiatives aim to enhance the capacity of local healthcare providers to manage and treat COVID-19 effectively.
Future Outlook
The donation of azvudine to rural counties highlights the commitment of the Fosun Foundation and its partners to improving access to COVID-19 treatments in underserved areas. By providing essential medications and supporting healthcare workers with training, these efforts aim to strengthen the response to the pandemic and improve patient outcomes in rural China.-Fineline Info & Tech
