China sharing expertise on COVID-19 drugs with world, minister says

China has been sharing its experience in the research and development of drugs for COVID-19 and its therapies with the world through various means, minister of science and technology said on Sunday.

Drug research and development has been a priority in the efforts of fighting the epidemic in China since the very start, with more than 160 research institutes and enterprises taking part in various programs, Wang Zhigang said at a news conference at the State Council Information Office.

Breakthroughs have been made in the research and development of new effective drugs specific for COVID-19 in China, and a drug that may cure patients with antibodies for the coronavirus has been approved for clinical trials, he said.

In addition, Chinese scientists have been working around the clock to select from existing drugs that may help cure the disease since the outbreak, and 10 drugs and treatment therapies have been included in the treatment plans released by the top health authority and promoted across the country, Wang said.

Chinese scientists have been sharing these knowledge and experience with their counterparts in more than 200 countries and regions through means such as publishing large amount of papers and direct exchanges through videoconference and in person, he said.

Meanwhile, China has been supporting domestic enterprises and medical institutions to conduct clinical trials of drugs through international cooperation, and progress has been made, he said.