Shionogi and Osaka University unveils a new joint research lab to review anti-COVID-19 drug

Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and Osaka University have established a joint research laboratory (research lab’s name: Joint Research Laboratory for Long COVID) at the Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, aiming to establish prevention methods for post-COVID-19 condition (Long COVID).

Post-COVID-19 condition treatment joint research laboratory will cionduct the study from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2027 to verify the efficacy and safety of ensitrelvir once-daily, 5 days oral treatment in 2,000 patients with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Post-infection symptoms associated with COVID-19 infections include fatigue, shortness of breath, hair loss, and decreased concentration, commonly known as "Long COVID." Currently, there is no treatment or prevention for Long COVID. This phase 2/3 trial of ensitrelvir fumaric acid (marketed as Xocova® in Japan, hereafter "ensitrelvir") showed a possibility of reducing the incidence of long-standing COVID symptoms. A greater amount of data is needed, however, in order to develop treatments and preventative measures.

In order to promote collaboration between Shionogi and Osaka University, where Shionogi provides potential therapeutic drugs that can address social issues, and Osaka University provides healthcare infrastructure and specialized expertise, a joint research chair has been established to facilitate rapid research advancement through industry-academia collaboration.

Through a joint research lab, we will evaluate ensitrevir's efficacy and safety for Long COVID. In this study, 2,000 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections are treated with ensitrelvir once daily, for five days, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.