A new traditional medical formula developed by Taiwanese scientists to fight COVID-19 has received approval for sale in Taiwan. Two pharmaceutical companies have applied for temporary licences to produce the drug and could receive permission as early as this week.
Chingguan Yihau is a medical formula made using ten herbal ingredients common to traditional Chinese medicine. Those include indigo woad root, fish mint and Chinese skullcap. Researchers say its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties may disrupt the progression of COVID-19 in the body.
The herbal compound is already available as a dietary supplement in the US, UK, Australia and Europe under the names RespireAid and COVRelief. But strict rules on drug certification in Taiwan have prevented it from reaching Taiwanese patients.
However, Ko Fu-yang, the secretary-general of the National Union of Chinese Medical Doctors’ Association, says that’s no longer the case. He says new rules from the Health Ministry mean any company already selling the drug overseas can apply for a domestic permit. Deputy Health Minister Shih Chung-liang has confirmed the news, saying that authorities are processing applications by two pharmaceutical companies. A total of eight companies are eligible to apply.
But Secretary-general Ko says people infected with COVID-19 shouldn’t rush to traditional medicine dispensaries. He says anyone who suspects they have COVID-19 should first notify authorities and undergo testing. Then traditional medicine specialists will assess their condition and decide whether to prescribe the drug.