President of the medical faculty Dr. Francis Chan Ka-Leung, expressed that its research team discovered the absence of a series of probiotics in the intestines of COVID-19 patients using metagenomics.
This first-ever discovery shows unhealthy intestinal microecology is closely tied to the severity of COVID-19 complications. The clinical physician continued, “Nearly 40 percent of Hong Kong citizens suffer from moderate to severe intestinal microbiome issues. The conclusion reflects the increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or other bacterial infection.”
To further understand the efficacy of SIM01 on patients in high-risk groups, the research team recruited 453 diabetics and elderly aged 65 or above to participate in a study that had received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines between 2021 and 2022.
The 453 subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group that took SIM01 for three months and a control group that took a placebo with vitamin C.
Clinical Professor Martin Wong Chi-sang of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at the Faculty of Medicine CUHK addressed the result of the group study. “One month after taking the second vaccine shot, only 2.9 percent of the participants who took SIM01 showed signs of COVID-19 side effects, versus 12.6 percent in the control group that took the placebo.” The results at other time markers of 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months were equally impressive.
The striking difference in the ratio confirms that regardless of the type of COVID-19 vaccine, participants who took the SIM01 formula continued to have fewer side effects than those who did not in the control group. Additionally, the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other diseases, such as skin diseases, is also smaller. Other beneficial effects, such as improved sleep patterns, better moods, and healthier skin, were also observed.
Dr. Ng Siew-chien, assistant dean of Development of Medicine and Therapeutics and Microbiota I-Center (MagIC) at CUHK explained that upon taking SIM01, intestinal probiotic bacteria would enter the intentional micro-ecology and produce intestinal beneficial metabolites. “When these metabolites enter human blood circulation, it effectively lessens the risk of COVID-19 infection and other bacterial and viral diseases.”
The specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology also mentioned, “Our research team is also conducting another pilot study to further understand the efficacy of SIM01 against patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A larger scale study will be conducted later, which should last between one and two years.”
Dr. Chan stated that the SIM01 formula is suitable for anyone and does not contain western drug ingredients. “However, due to the limitations on the Hong Kong drug certification system, the SIM01 current discovery can only be listed as a supplement.”
The doctor anticipated the Hong Kong government would adjust the related policies soon “So the general public could benefit from local medical research and use SIM01 as a clinical remedy.”
