Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co, whose stock surged the most in two years Friday on reports one of its medicines could potentially inhibit COVID-19, said more studies are needed on the treatment.

Shares of Baiyunshan climbed 13 percent in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and by the 10 percent limit in Shanghai on Friday after one of the nation’s top medical advisers reportedly said one of its treatments could potentially inhibit COVID-19. 

Banlangen is a traditional Chinese medicine made from isatis root and often used as a common cure for cold and flu

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Guangzhou-based Nanfang Daily cited Zhong Nanshan as saying Baiyunshan’s “banlangen” product was effective in a series of in-vitro studies.

More work needs to be done in studies of banlangen and sales of the medicine are not expected to have a major impact on Baiyunshan’s performance, it said in a statement to the Shanghai stock exchange, where it’s listed. The company owns 50 percent of the joint venture.

Banlangen is a traditional Chinese medicine made from isatis root and often used as a common cure for cold and flu. In 2013, the product sold out in various parts of the mainland during a fatal avian flu virus outbreak. Baiyunshan, which has a market value of around US$7.8 billion, also retails Western pharmaceutical products.

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