China is testing a drug given to HIV carriers as a possible treatment for the symptoms of the rapidly spreading new coronavirus, pharmaceutical company AbbVie Inc. said today.
Chinese health officials have called for the drug to step up government efforts to address the crisis, said Andele Infante, a spokeswoman for the North Chicago-based company.
Aluvia, also known as Kaletra, contains a combination of the active ingredients lopinavir and ritonavir.
Beijing on Thursday said there was no effective cure for the virus, but recommended taking two lopinavir / ritonavir pills and inhaling alpha interferon through a nebulizer twice a day.
Health authorities around the world have mobilized to prevent a pandemic, following the detection of at least 2.000 cases in China. 56 people have died so far.