It is the first phytopharmaceutical drug approvedfor clinical trials by the DCGI as a potential treatment for COVID-19.  As per Sun Pharma, AQCH has shown anti-SARS-CoV-2effects in in-vitro studies conducted in collaboration with ICGEB, Italy and these results combined with information on mechanism of action through in-vitro and small animal studies suggest this can be evaluated as potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients. https://www.sunpharma.com/covid-19/news-and-updates
AQCH, which is being developed for dengue, has shown broad antiviral effect in in vitro studies and henceis being tested as a potential treatment option for COVID-19. Since 2016, Sun Pharma has been workingvery closely with DBT-ICGEB and CSIR-IIIM, under theto develop a phytopharmaceutical drug for dengue. The work onevaluation of plant-derived drugs for the treatment of dengue started in 2007 under the auspices of the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) Task Force on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
The clinical trial will be conducted across 12 centers in India in 210 patients. The treatment duration for patients will be 10 days. The results of the clinical trial are expected by October 2020. Human safety study of AQCH has already been completed and the drug has been found safe at the recommended dose for Phase II study.
https://www.sunpharma.com/covid-19/news-and-updates

Number of trial sites       

Number of arms              

Number of patients         

12

210