Ursa (UDCA) Shows Powerful COVID-19 Prevention in Landmark Global Study – Could Offer New Hope for Vulnerable Populations
SEO Breaking News Alert: In a stunning development that could reshape our approach to COVID-19 prevention, a massive international study has revealed that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), the key ingredient in the widely available medication Ursa, significantly reduces the risk of both contracting the virus and experiencing severe illness. This isn’t just incremental progress; the data suggests a substantial protective effect, particularly with higher dosages.
Large-Scale Data Confirms UDCA’s Protective Effects
Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced today the results of a groundbreaking analysis presented at KDDW 2025, Asia’s leading gastroenterology conference. The study, a comprehensive review of cohort data encompassing over 710,000 individuals across six countries – Korea, the United States, China, Japan, France, and Italy – demonstrates a clear correlation between UDCA intake and reduced COVID-19 risk. This isn’t a small, localized finding; it’s a globally validated observation.
Researchers found a compelling ‘dose-response’ relationship. Individuals taking 150mg of UDCA experienced an 18% reduction in infection rates, while those on 300mg saw a 33% decrease. Remarkably, the highest dose tested, 750mg, correlated with a 64% reduction in infection. This suggests that a daily dose of 300mg or more may be optimal for preventative benefits.
How Does UDCA Work? Targeting the Body, Not the Virus
What makes UDCA particularly exciting is its unique mechanism of action. Unlike many antiviral strategies that focus on the virus itself, UDCA targets the human ACE2 receptor – the entry point for the COVID-19 virus into cells. By reducing the expression of this receptor, UDCA effectively makes it harder for the virus to penetrate and infect cells. This is a crucial advantage, as it means UDCA is potentially less susceptible to being rendered ineffective by new viral mutations. Think of it as fortifying the castle walls, rather than constantly trying to defeat each attacking army.
This mechanism was initially identified by a research team at the University of Cambridge in 2022, published in the prestigious journal Nature, and has been further validated by subsequent studies, including a large-scale cohort study conducted in Korea by researchers at Chonbuk National University Hospital and Dong-A University Hospital in 2024.
Significant Clinical Impact: Reduced Severity and Hospitalization
The benefits extend beyond simply reducing infection rates. The study also revealed a 25% reduction in the risk of severe COVID-19 exacerbation and a 25% reduction in the need for respiratory support (ventilators) among those taking UDCA. Professor Gyu-chan Heo’s research team at Konyang University Hospital led this aspect of the investigation, and their findings were recognized with an Excellent Poster Award at the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases Fall Conference.
A Realistic Solution for Global Health Equity?
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of this discovery is UDCA’s accessibility. It’s an orally administered medication, relatively inexpensive, and readily available at pharmacies. This makes it a potentially invaluable tool for countries with limited access to vaccines or for individuals with compromised immune systems who may not respond effectively to vaccination. It offers a practical, affordable layer of protection for those who need it most.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical emphasizes that this study represents the first global confirmation of UDCA’s potential in preventing COVID-19 and mitigating its severity through a large-scale meta-analysis. The long-established safety profile of UDCA further strengthens its appeal as a potential new weapon in the fight against infectious diseases.
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of viral threats, the discovery of UDCA’s protective effects offers a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are found not in complex new technologies, but in revisiting and re-evaluating existing medications with a fresh perspective. Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on this developing story and expert analysis on its implications for public health.
