Analysis of UDCA Effectiveness against COVID-19: A Summary
This text details a meaningful study presented at KDDW 2025 demonstrating the effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) in reducing both the risk of COVID-19 infection and the severity of the disease. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings and implications:
Key Findings:
* Significant Risk reduction: UDCA use was associated with a:
* 31% reduction in the risk of COVID-19 infection.
* 25% reduction in the risk of severe exacerbation (worsening of the disease).
* 25% reduction in the risk of requiring a respirator.
* Dose-Response Relationship: The study established a clear dose-response relationship – higher doses of UDCA correlated with greater protection. Specifically:
* 150mg: 18% infection rate reduction
* 300mg: 33% infection rate reduction
* 750mg: 64% infection rate reduction
* 300mg/day is identified as a threshold for significant preventative effect.
* Mechanism of Action: UDCA works by targeting the host’s ACE2 receptor (the entry point for the virus) rather than the virus itself.This is significant becuase it suggests UDCA is less susceptible to being rendered ineffective by viral mutations. It reduces ACE2 expression, inhibiting viral penetration.
* Large-Scale Data: The study is based on a extensive analysis of cohort data from 710,000 people across 6 countries (Korea, US, China, Japan, france, Italy), making it a robust and reliable finding.
* Confirmation of Existing Research: This study builds upon previous research from Cambridge University (identifying the mechanism in Nature in 2022) and Korean research teams (demonstrating effectiveness in 2024).
* Recognition & Awards: The study received the Excellent Poster Award at KDDW 2025 and was also presented at the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases conference.
Implications & Importance:
* Potential Preventative measure: UDCA presents a possibly valuable preventative measure, particularly for:
* Countries with limited vaccine access.
* Immunocompromised individuals.
* Accessibility & Affordability: UDCA is an orally administered, inexpensive, and readily available medication.
* Clinical Value: The study provides vital data for future clinical discussions and treatment strategies.
* Future Research: The dose-response analysis provides a strong foundation for further examination into optimal UDCA dosage for COVID-19 prevention.
In essence, this study provides compelling evidence that UDCA could be a significant tool in the fight against COVID-19, offering a readily accessible and potentially effective preventative strategy.
