In a step forward in the nationwide battle against SARS, China has approved the clinical use of first two drugs to treat the potentially fatal virus.
The first drug, Sivelestat Sodium, is an injection chemical and can increase the respiratory capacity of SARS patients, reducing reliance on respirators and thus greatly reducing the incidence of complications such as infection of the respiratory tract and acute lung damage.
Cao Wenzhuang, an official of the State Food and Drug Administration said it was the first medicine used in SARS treatment both in China and worldwide.
Another new drug made from pig lung surface active material was developed by the No 2 Military Medical University. Animal experiments have proved that the new drug can lessen surface tension of the alveolus and improve air exchange function of the lungs.
(China Daily May 21, 2003)
