OyaGen Inc.
ROC biotech company says lab tests of former cancer drug confirm it stops COVID-19
by Jane FlaschWednesday, March 11th 2020
https://13wham.com/news/local/roc-biotech-company-says-lab-tests-of-former-cancer-drug-confirm-it-stops-covid-19
Rochester, N.Y. - A vaccine for COVID-19 is likely years away. Yet a drug tested in a lab three weeks ago has been found to stop the virus from spreading from cell to cell.
The stunning announcement comes from a Rochester biotech company called OyaGen, Inc. The company is seeking to fast-track the formula to treat people who become infected.
"A treatment right now is the priority," said Dr. Harold Smith of OyaGen. He added the drug already has FDA approval for another use.
The tests were conducted at the federal government's integrated research facility in Fort Detrick, Md. A drug called Oya 1 had already been proven in lab tests there to be effective against Ebola.
"If it worked for Ebola, is it absolutely unique to Ebola, or would it work on other viruses?" asked Dr. Smith - though he said an actual drug for human consumption was never pursued…