China lab seeks patent on Gilead's coronavirus treatment

CORONAVIRUS | A state-run Chinese research institute has applied for a patent on the use of Gilead Sciences' experimental antiviral drug, which scientists believe could provide treatment for the coronavirus that has killed hundreds and infected thousands.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology of the China Academy of Sciences, based in the city where the outbreak is believed to have originated, said in a statement that it applied to patent the use of Remdesivir, an antiviral drug developed by US biotechnology company, Gilead, to treat the virus.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week reported a coronavirus patient in the United States was found to show an improvement after taking Remdesivir, which is also used to treat infectious diseases such as Ebola.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.

"Even if the Wuhan Institute's application gets authorised, the role is limited because Gilead still owns the fundamental patent of the drug," said Zhao Youbin, a Shanghai-based intellectual property counsel at Purplevine IP Service Co.

"Any exploitation of the patent must seek approval from Gilead."

The US company did not immediately respond to request for comment but last week said it was working with China to test Remdesivir for use in a small number of patients infected with the coronavirus.

The application was submitted jointly with the Military Medicine Institute of the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Science, according to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Scientists from both institutes said in a paper published in Nature's Cell Research on Tuesday said they found both Remdesivir and Chloroquine, which is used to treat malaria, to be an effective way to inhibit the coronavirus.

The Wuhan-based laboratory said in a statement that the patent application was filed on Jan 21 and aimed at protecting China's national interests. 

However, it said it would temporarily drop its patent claims if the opportunity arose to collaborate with foreign pharmaceutical firms to fight the epidemic. — Reuters