New drug could offer hope for children

A potential new drug may bring hope to the more than 2.5 million children diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease in China each year.

The Institute Pasteur of Shanghai of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which developed the drug, signed a patent transfer agreement on Monday with Hainan-based Honz Pharmaceutical to continue clinical testing and research.

"There is no special treatment available that could cure or prevent the serious consequences of the disease," said Ralf Altmeyer, general director of the institute, who led the research team.