Made-in-Vietnam antiviral drug being developed to treat COVID-19 patients

The Health Ministry has approved herbal Covid-19 medication produced by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) for clinical trials.

Made-in-Vietnam antiviral drug being developed to treat COVID-19 patients -0
Made-in-Vietnam antiviral drug being developed to treat COVID-19 patients 

The medicine, called Vipdervir, is used to prevent and heal diseases caused by the RNA virus, a virus which has RNA as its genetic material, especially the novel coronavirus (SARs-CoV-2).

Results of the drug’s preclinical trial were released by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in an online press conference on August 10. They showed Vipdervir can inhibit the growth of the SARS-CoV-2 virus when tested on animals.

A statement released by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology said: "The drug’s acute and sub-acute toxicity were tested at the National Institute of Drug Quality Control and the Hanoi Medical University".

Its ability to inhibit the growth of the H5N1 virus was tested at the Institute of Biotechnology, and that of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and HHanoi Medical University. The tests were done on rabbits.

The research is being conducted by Associate Professor Le Quang Huan and his partners at the Vietnam Institute of Biotechnology in Hanoi.

The scientists’ proposal for a clinical trial of the drug on COVID-19 patients was approved by the Ministry of Health on August 7. If successful, the drug will be licensed and used to treat mild and moderate COVID-19 cases, the ministry said.

By TN

Other News

Hanoi ready to implement Capital Law 2026, unlocking new development momentum

Hanoi ready to implement Capital Law 2026, unlocking new development momentum

The effectiveness of the Capital Law 2026 will be measured not by the number of legal documents issued but by tangible improvements in governance and public administration, better services for people and businesses, faster administrative procedures, stronger investment attraction and higher economic growth.

Vietnamese students earn honours at ROBOG Asia Cup 2026

Vietnamese students earn honours at ROBOG Asia Cup 2026

Three teams from Chu Van An Secondary School in Vietnam’s Thai Nguyen province have earned First Prize honours and advanced to the quarterfinals at the ROBOG Asia Cup 2026, a regional robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) competition for students held in Hong Kong, China.

Hanoi sets out new investment blueprint with century-long development vision

Hanoi sets out new investment blueprint with century-long development vision

As of early June, Hanoi had attracted 74.6 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) through more than 9,250 valid projects. FDI inflows in the first six months were projected at 3.2 billion USD, surpassing the annual target by 116%, while nearly 16,000 new businesses were established in the first five months, up 34.4% year-on-year.

Vietnam promotes legal cooperation and rule of law at global forum

Vietnam promotes legal cooperation and rule of law at global forum

Vietnam’s development and international integration have gone hand in hand with the improvement of its legal system, the incorporation of international commitments into domestic legislation, and legal reforms aimed at fostering development, openness and global integration. The country regards international law as an essential instrument for building fair, mutually beneficial relations among nations.

Hanoi to hold investment promotion event on June 29

Hanoi to hold investment promotion event on June 29

At the event, Hanoi authorities plan to grant investment policy decisions and investment registration certificates to 20 exemplary projects in the fields of transportation infrastructure, industrial parks, urban development, social housing, environment, science and technology, and foreign investment attraction.

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Located south of the Red River and extending from the historic inner city to newly developing areas in the south and the west, the central urban area along Red River’s right bank covers approximately 45,317 hectares and is projected to accommodate around 6.365 million residents by 2045 and 6.455 million by 2065.

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Located south of the Red River and extending from the historic inner city to newly developing areas in the south and the west, the central urban area along Red River’s right bank covers approximately 45,317 hectares and is projected to accommodate around 6.365 million residents by 2045 and 6.455 million by 2065.

Regional cooperation strengthened to combat cross-border drug crime

Regional cooperation strengthened to combat cross-border drug crime

Vietnam, China, Laos and Myanmar face common challenges as drug syndicates increasingly exploit the Mekong River, cross-border transport networks, e-commerce platforms, international logistics services, cyberspace and cryptocurrencies to organise drug transactions and smuggling operations.