Hyundai Bioscience Introduces XAFTY® as a Promising Broad-Spectrum Antiviral
Hyundai Bioscience has shared new progress on XAFTY®, a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy designed to tackle multiple viral diseases, including COVID-19, mpox, and dengue. The update came at the recent Disease Prevention and Control Summit, where Dr. Heung-Jeong Woo, a vice president at the company, outlined how the program has moved forward and why a different kind of antiviral is needed now.
Why Multi-Target Antivirals Matter
Dr. Woo highlighted a central challenge in infectious disease care: relying on a single, narrowly focused drug often isn’t enough as new outbreaks emerge and old threats resurface. Viruses shift; the response has to, too. XAFTY® is Hyundai Bioscience’s answer to that reality—a move toward a “one drug, multiple targets” model that seeks to address several viral threats at once rather than one pathogen at a time.
From Niclosamide to XAFTY®: Solving Old Problems
The road to XAFTY® started with niclosamide, a known antiviral agent that ran into familiar hurdles. In its original form, it was poorly absorbed and its overall effectiveness was limited, which blunted its clinical impact. Hyundai Bioscience applied its drug delivery technology to rework that foundation, reformulating niclosamide into XAFTY® to boost its performance and make its therapeutic potential more accessible in real-world use.
Evidence Across Studies and Settings
According to the company, XAFTY® has been evaluated in a range of settings—clinical trials, animal models, and cellular studies—and the findings have been consistently promising. Results include favorable outcomes in patients with COVID-19, with Phase 3 trials now underway in high-risk groups. That focus reflects where the need is sharpest and where a broad-spectrum option could make a practical difference.
Signals of Efficacy in Influenza
Beyond COVID-19, Hyundai Bioscience has compared XAFTY® with TAMIFLU® against H1N1, a major influenza A strain. In those studies, XAFTY® markedly reduced influenza virus levels. While influenza belongs to a different viral family, this result points to the breadth Hyundai Bioscience is aiming for—an antiviral with utility across respiratory viruses, not just one.
Addressing High-Risk Groups and Outbreaks
Dr. Woo also discussed Phase 3 work and reported confirmed effectiveness against mpox and dengue, two diseases for which treatment options remain limited. With that in mind, the company is working with countries facing these public health emergencies to enable swift access to XAFTY® where it may help patients most.
Recognition on a Global Stage
At the summit, Jason Kim, Hyundai Bioscience’s CEO in the USA, emphasized XAFTY® as a practical tool for today and a signal of readiness for tomorrow’s viral threats. The attention the program received there reflects growing international interest in a comprehensive antiviral approach—one medicine designed to meet several challenges at once.
About Hyundai Bioscience
Founded in 2000, Hyundai Bioscience focuses on developing innovative medicines through its proprietary drug delivery technology. The company specializes in repurposing existing drugs to broaden their use, employing organic-inorganic hybrid technologies to extend their reach. Hyundai Bioscience is listed on the KOSDAQ under the symbol 048410 and remains focused on solutions to pressing public health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is XAFTY®?
XAFTY® is a broad-spectrum antiviral from Hyundai Bioscience designed to treat multiple viral infections, including COVID-19, mpox, and dengue, within a single therapeutic framework.
Why is XAFTY® considered groundbreaking?
It takes a “one drug, multiple targets” approach, aiming to overcome the limits of traditional single-target antivirals and address several viral threats at the same time.
What challenges did XAFTY® overcome in development?
XAFTY® was built to improve on niclosamide’s shortcomings—specifically poor absorption and limited efficacy—by using Hyundai Bioscience’s drug delivery technology to reformulate and enhance the original agent.
How effective is XAFTY® against COVID-19?
Company data show favorable results in COVID-19, and Phase 3 clinical trials are ongoing in high-risk patient groups to further evaluate its benefit in those most vulnerable.
Is Hyundai Bioscience engaged in public health responses?
Yes. The company is working with governments and countries facing outbreaks to rapidly make XAFTY® available for diseases such as mpox and dengue, where treatment options are limited.
