Daewoong Pharmaceutical ‘Urusa’
Ursa, known as the ‘national liver medicine’, is expanding its treatment area by proving its effectiveness in various diseases. Ursa is a liver function improvement agent launched by Daewoong Pharmaceutical in 1961. Its main ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), helps detoxify the liver by lowering the viscosity of bile and increasing bile acid secretion. It is effective for various liver-related diseases such as cirrhosis, cholelithiasis, and cholangitis, and also helps protect and regenerate liver cells.
Based on these effects, Urusa has established itself as Korea’s representative liver function improvement agent, and its natural liver function improvement effect has been continuously verified through continuous research. Looking at the key outcome indicators released in advance during the recent phase 4 clinical trial of Ursa 100 mg targeting patients with chronic liver disease, the effect of improving liver disease was once again confirmed. In the study, which was led by Professors Jaeyoung Jang and Young Jang of the Department of Gastroenterology at Soonchunhyang University, the primary endpoint, ‘change in ALT level after 8 weeks compared to baseline’, in the placebo group decreased by only 5.51 U/L, while the Ursa group decreased by an average of 14.70 U/L. The results are out.
In addition to the effect of improving liver function, the preventive effect of various diseases has also been confirmed. In particular, research results showing that UDCA, the main ingredient, prevents COVID-19 virus infection by blocking virus penetration into the body were revealed in 2022, raising expectations as to whether it can be used to treat infectious diseases. The research, led by Professor Fotios Sampagiotis’ team at Cambridge University in the UK, was published in the world-renowned academic journal ‘Nature’. According to research, UDCA was confirmed to significantly reduce the COVID-19 virus infection rate in organoid, animal, and human organ experiments.
This effect was also confirmed by domestic researchers. Professor Baek Yang-hyeon’s research team at the Department of Gastroenterology at Dong-A University Hospital also published a research paper in the SCI-level international academic journal ‘Virology Journal’ in September that demonstrated the effectiveness of taking UDCA in preventing COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease among actual COVID-19 infected patients. did it The study results showed that UDCA lowered the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection by 20% and 33%, respectively. Professor Baek Yang-hyun said, “As it is a popular liver function improvement agent and is highly accessible, UDCA showed meaningful data as an adjunctive therapy for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease who are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and progression to severe disease.”
**How does Ursa’s established track record in managing liver diseases, combined with its recently discovered antiviral properties, position it as a potential game-changer in the field of hepatology?**
## World Today News Interview: Ursa – The “National Liver Medicine”
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today we have a fascinating topic to discuss: Ursa, a pioneering liver function improvement agent with a expanding role in healthcare. We are joined by two distinguished guests:
* **Dr. Kim Min-jun**, a leading hepatologist at Seoul National University Hospital and
* **Dr. Lee Soo-jin**, a virologist specializing in emerging infectious diseases at Korea University College of Medicine.
Thank you both for joining us.
**Dr. Kim:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Dr. Lee:** Thank you for having me.
**Section 1: The Established Benefits of Ursa**
**Host:** Dr. Kim, Ursa has a long history in Korea, known as the “National Liver Medicine.” What are the key attributes that have solidified this reputation?
**Dr. Kim:** Ursa’s effectiveness in improving liver function is well-documented. Its main ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), has been shown to effectively treat various liver-related diseases like cirrhosis, gallstones, and cholangitis. It helps detoxify the liver, shields liver cells from damage, and even encourages their regeneration.
**Host:** The article mentions recent Phase 4 clinical trials for Ursa. Dr. Kim, can you elaborate on these findings and their significance in reinforcing Ursa’s efficacy?
**Dr. Kim:** Absolutely. This recent study focused on patients with chronic liver disease. The results clearly demonstrated a significant reduction in ALT levels, a key indicator of liver health, in the Ursa group compared to the placebo group. This reinforces Ursa’s enduring efficacy in managing chronic liver conditions.
**Section 2: Ursa and Emerging Infectious Diseases**
**Host:** Now, let’s delve into the fascinating research on Ursa’s potential role in combating infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19. Dr. Lee, could you shed light on the initial findings that sparked this interest?
**Dr. Lee:** In 2022, research conducted by Professor Fotios Sampagiotis’ team at Cambridge University revealed that UDCA, the key component of Ursa, exhibited a remarkable ability to prevent COVID-19 infection by blocking the virus’s entry into cells. These findings were published in the prestigious journal “Nature” and generated significant excitement in the scientific community.
**Host:** Dr. Baek of Dong-A University Hospital also conducted research in this area with positive results. Dr. Lee, can you summarize these findings and their implications for patients with chronic liver disease?
**Dr. Lee:** Dr. Baek’s study, published in “Virology Journal,” demonstrated that UDCA significantly reduced both (the risk of infection) and the severity of COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease. This is vital because these patients are often more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 outcomes.
**Host:** This is remarkable. Dr. Kim, what are your thoughts on these findings and their potential implications for treating liver disease patients amidst future outbreaks of infectious diseases?
**Dr. Kim:** The potential of Ursa in mitigating the impact of infectious diseases on liver disease patients is truly exciting. Considering its accessibility and established safety profile, UDCA could be a valuable adjunct therapy, especially for vulnerable populations.
**Section 3: Looking Ahead**
**Host:** We have seen the impressive track record of Ursa and the promising new research avenues. Dr. Kim, what are some of the potential future directions for this “National Liver Medicine”?
**Dr. Kim:** Ongoing research is exploring UDCA’s role in other liver diseases, including NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Additionally, its potential in managing complications of liver cirrhosis and preventing liver failure is being investigated.
**Host:** Dr. Lee, what are your thoughts on the research potential of UDCA for combating other emerging infectious diseases?
**Dr Lee:** Further research is needed to fully understand the antiviral mechanisms of UDCA and its potential against other viruses. The initial findings with COVID-19 are encouraging, and this could open doors for innovative antiviral therapies.
**Host:** Thank you both for this insightful discussion. We have learned about the remarkable journey of Ursa, from its established role in managing liver diseases to its potential in combatting infectious diseases. This is a testament to ongoing research and the continued quest to improve human health.
**Dr. Kim and Dr. Lee:** Thank you for having us.
