Clinical study on LC-Plasma's effect on COVID treatment starts in Japan

TOKYO -- Nagasaki University and Kirin Holdings Co. have started a clinical study to investigate the effect of using Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma), which has the function of enhancing the immune response, to relieve COVID-19 symptoms.

They aim to complete analysis of the research results by the end of this year. The innate immune system is inherent and immediately attacks any foreign bodies, while the adaptive immune system is acquired through vaccines and infections and targets specific pathogens.

Among these pathogens is plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that can orchestrate innate immune responses. The function of LC-Plasma, which can activate the function of pDCs, is attracting attention. It has been reported in Japan and overseas that LC-Plasma improves immunity to the flu and other viruses and helps prevent symptoms.

This clinical study targets 50 coronavirus patients with mild symptoms who are recuperating at accommodation facilities. They will take capsules containing 400 billion LC-Plasma daily, and the amount of coronavirus in the nasopharynx, changes in the active state of pDCs, and the improvement rate of symptoms will be investigated. The data will apparently be compared with that of 50 others who took placebos.

Kazuko Yamamoto, who is an instructor at Nagasaki University's respiratory medicine department and in charge of the research, said, "It's difficult to completely prevent infections as the coronavirus can mutate quickly, and in order to prevent a strain on the medical system, swift relief of individual symptoms and prevention of severe symptoms are essential."

She added, "The safety of LC-Plasma has also been confirmed. Since the innate immunity system responds to all types of viruses, this research will act as one of the preparations for a pandemic in the future. "

(Japanese original by Yasuyoshi Tanaka, Editorial Division)