According to new research data, the Japanese drugmaker Shionogi & Co Ltd′s experimental Covid Pill S-217622 has shown quick clearance of the pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 virus. The drug improved a composite score of five "respiratory and feverish" symptoms, but there was no significant difference between treatment arms in the total score of 12 COVID-19 symptoms.

The drugmaker said in March that it would begin a global Phase III trial for the treatment with backing from the US government.Shionogis stock has been facing ups and downs owing to the speculation regarding the treatment′s efficacy. Following news that the US government is in talks to acquire a supply of the medicine, the stock rose on Friday. On April 13, the stock dropped by 16% on rumors of risks during pregnancy based on preclinical data. (NDTV, April 24, 2022)