Following the optimization of pandemic prevention and control measures, public interest in drugs for preventing and treating COVID-19 infection has been growing by the day. Recently, a drug called ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) burst into the spotlight. More than 20 listed companies have now been grouped under the "ursodeoxycholic acid concept", and shares of many of these firms have doubled in value.
What exactly is ursodeoxycholic acid? Are yellow peach canned food and electrolyte drinks, which have flown off the shelves recently, merely a marketing gimmick?
Why has ursodeoxycholic acid suddenly become popular?
The sudden surge in popularity of ursodeoxycholic acid stems from a research paper recently published in Nature by researchers at the University of Cambridge.
The paper found that ursodeoxycholic acid, a generic drug used to treat liver diseases, can block the ACE2 receptor - the gateway for the virus to enter human cells. The drug may help prevent COVID-19 infection. Since it targets host cells rather than the virus itself, it could potentially protect against new variants of the virus and other coronaviruses that may emerge. ACE2 is known as the primary entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2.
Public data shows that ursodeoxycholic acid has been used clinically for many years. It exerts choleretic, cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Widely prescribed for a variety of hepatobiliary disorders, it is an important clinical medication for gallstones, cholecystitis, liver diseases and biliary tract conditions.
According to the package insert for ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, this is a prescription drug and must be administered under medical supervision. Potential adverse reactions include gastrointestinal disorders, hepatobiliary dysfunction and allergic reactions.
Does ursodeoxycholic acid really work?
Industry insiders note that ursodeoxycholic acid is a hepatobiliary medicine, and no domestic clinical trials have proven its efficacy for COVID-19 prevention. "This conclusion remains at the academic stage and has not reached clinical application. We are continuing to monitor relevant developments."
Xuantai Pharmaceutical issued an abnormal stock fluctuation announcement, stating that the company has noticed media reports on research exploring ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Confirmatory clinical trials for this research have not yet been carried out, and major uncertainties remain over whether the drug can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection. The company's ursodeoxycholic acid capsules are not indicated for COVID-19 prevention or treatment. Production and sales remain normal with no sharp sales growth, and no material impact on corporate performance is expected in the short term.
Regarding real-world drug application, virologist Chang Rongshan told the media that ursodeoxycholic acid cannot prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, and taking it carries risks for healthy people. To date, COVID-19 vaccines are the only proven preventive measure against the virus.
New pandemic-related concepts keep emerging in the capital market, each often sparking a wave of speculative fervor. Investors should view the rally in ursodeoxycholic acid concept stocks rationally and avoid blind speculative trading.
When will the hype over COVID "miracle drugs" end?
Recently, Lianhua Qingwen, ibuprofen and antigen test kits have all been in short supply. Even unexpected everyday foods have captured public attention.
Canned yellow peaches, long regarded by many northern Chinese as a folk "magic remedy", were added to many people's home recovery stockpiles. Some pharmacies even stocked canned yellow peaches, claiming it could "cure illnesses" no matter what the ailment.
Canned yellow peaches quickly became a nationwide hot commodity. As reported by People's Daily, multiple experts clarified that while canned yellow peaches contain nutrients and can boost appetite, they function mostly as a sweet placebo offering psychological comfort, with no actual effect in relieving disease symptoms.
It is reasonable to make preparations amid the pandemic. Buying desserts or candies to meet emotional needs is also fine. However, blind panic buying without scientific and rational understanding may trap consumers in merchants' marketing ploys.
