Canadian medicine researchers looking for manufacturing partner in Bangladesh
As part of their Asian trade mission, they are in Dhaka to seek a local partner for cost-effective manufacturing and marketing of the medicine, aiming to “help millions of people fight chronic respiratory issues and viral attacks more effectively.”
When the seasonal flu and cough weakened the entire city, two pharmaceutical researchers from Canada are shaking hands and hugging others in Dhaka this week without fear.
Dr Yun K Tam and his Bangladeshi-Canadian wife Dr Nuzhat Tam-Zaman, co-founders of Sinoveda Canada Inc, feel stronger against viral attacks.
This confidence stems from their fourteenth patented scientific natural health product Cordyva developed from the bioactives found in the centuries-old Tibetan highland mushroom Cordyceps militaris. This mushroom is rich in immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
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Following unprecedented success in Hong Kong and Canada, the Canadian researchers are recommending Cordyva to their long Covid patients and observing excellent results, they told The Business Standard in an interview.
As part of their Asian trade mission, they are in Dhaka to seek a local partner for cost-effective manufacturing and marketing of the medicine, aiming to "help millions of people fight chronic respiratory issues and viral attacks more effectively."
Currently, a one-week dose containing 28 capsules costs C$55 in Canada, but this price could be significantly reduced through local manufacturing, said Dr Nuzhat Tam-Zaman.
She added that everyone could afford it as a safer and more effective alternative to commonly used pharmaceutical products if the mushrooms were scientifically grown locally through indoor vertical farming, potentially lowering raw material costs by over 90%.
Wild Cordyceps costs approximately C$50,000 per kilogram due to its limited availability and daily consumption by wealthy Chinese consumers.
The researchers noted that upper respiratory tract infections, often treated with antibiotics, could be better addressed with Cordyva.
"Antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your body unless offset with proper probiotic intake. Cordyva has no such issues and can significantly reduce the frequency of infections," said Dr Yun K Tam.
He explained the product's advantages: "Fighting viruses and bacteria to cure infections and inflammation, boosting immunity, and supporting the microbes essential for sustained wellness."
Globally, around 400 million people are impacted daily by long Covid symptoms, including brain fog, fatigue, sleep disturbances, lack of energy, persistent cough, body aches, and psychological issues, according to Dr Tam. Despite advances in treating Covid-19, the pharmaceutical industry has yet to provide effective solutions for these symptoms.
Cordyva, already market-ready, has proven successful in treating long Covid patients in the USA, Canada, and Hong Kong.
For instance, a long Covid patient in Washington, unable to walk for two years due to neurological damage, walked for 15 minutes nonstop on the fourth day of taking Cordyva. After completing the two-week course, she largely sustained her recovery.
Emerging studies are showing links between long Covid and neurological conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, which Cordyva may help address.
Dr Tam and Dr Zaman said while other natural products have shown limited efficacy in treating long Covid, Cordyva's uniqueness lies in its development.
Their AI-driven pharmaceutical platform technology helped them quickly identify the specific substances in natural raw materials responsible for targeted effects. By combining these with other natural active ingredients, they boosted the effectiveness of the key elements by at least 13 times.
"Additionally, the ingredients work synergistically, unlike pharmaceutical products, where one ingredient targets a single issue," said Dr Nuzhat, adding, "Your body often experiences multiple problems simultaneously."
Long-term consumption of Cordyva has no side effects, aside from mild, short-lasting skin rashes in individuals allergic to mushrooms.
"Taking it as a precautionary measure significantly helps prevent infections, as we are doing during our trips," they said.
Two of Sinoveda's previous products are already approved in Bangladesh, with one being manufactured locally for export to Canada.
The large number of long Covid patients and the air pollution in Bangladesh make Cordyva highly relevant, said Dr Zaman, noting that people need relief from brain fog, fatigue, lingering cough, and body aches.
Cordyva, currently available over the counter in Canada, is slated for its US launch early next year.
