TY - JOUR AU - Robinson, J AU - Banerjee, I AU - Roy, B AU - Leclézio, A PY - 2021/07/16 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Novel drug for COVID-19: Virafin a therapeutic breakthrough JF - Journal of Biomedical Sciences JA - J. Biomed. Sci. VL - 8 IS - 1 SE - Current Research Trends DO - 10.3126/jbs.v8i1.38456 UR - https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/JBS/article/view/38456 SP - 12-14 AB - <p><strong>Background: </strong>Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b is synthesized via the use of PEG (polyethylene glycol). It is formulated via attaching a 12kDa mono methoxy polyethylene glycol moiety to the recombinant human Interferon Alpha-2b protein. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b acts via binding to the (JAK/STAT) Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of the transcription interferon receptor. The Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b /Virafin binds to the (IFNAR1/2) alpha interferon receptor 1 and 2. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b better known as Virafin has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India. This therapeutic agent is currently under a multicentric phase 3 trial with very promising results being reported. A single subcutaneous dose of Virafin has been shown to decrease the need for oxygen therapy in patients. This reduction in the need for oxygen therapy is a vital factor needed to provide relief to the Indian medical system in light of the recent oxygen shortages faced due to India’s worst wave of COVID-19 cases since the onset of the global pandemic. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b/ Virafin confers enhanced viral clearance and bolsters the immune response to induce a quicker recovery in patients with mild to moderate symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It is of paramount importance that further research on Virafin is undertaken as it can hinder the progression of COVID-19, reduce pressure on the inundated health systems, and save countless lives.</p> ER -