Favipiravir is on trial for the treatment of COVID 19:- A brief Discussion

In 2014 the Favipiravir, an antiviral was approved for medical use in Japan, which sold under the brand name Avigan. This antiviral medication is indicated for the treatment of influenza in Japan. Apart from this, the medicine is also being studied in order to the treatment of several other viral infections. The indication of Favipiravir is for novel influenza instead of seasonal influenza.
Novel influenza is basically strains, that are responsible in order to cause more severe disease. So far, the probability of resistance developing appears low.

In order to the experimental treatment of the emergent COVID-19, in February 2020 Favipiravir was being studied in China. In Japan, trials of this medication are also being planned.

In China, Favipiravir has been approved in order for use in the clinical trials of coronavirus disease in 2019.

After China, Italy also approved the drug for experimental use against COVID-19 in March 2020. These trials were conducted in the three major regions that were affected by the pandemic. The IPA (Italian Pharmaceutical Agency), has reminded the public that the existing evidence in support of this drug is scant and preliminary.

On 20'th April 2020, three hospitals in Massachusetts made a decision to study.  A trial in London, UK, going to be held by early May 2020.

According to the statement of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, they have received the Indian drug controller's approval in order to conduct the clinical trials on Favipiravir. This antiviral drug is being used for treating Covid-19 in some countries across the world. Approximately 150 patients will be enrolled for this clinical trial and every participant's going to receive favipiravir plus standard supportive care or only standard supportive care. In trials, the duration of the treatment is a maximum of 14 days and the total study duration will be a maximum of 28 days from randomisation.

Fujifilm Toyama Chemical confirmed that the medication has potential against influenza viruses. In Japan, Avigan has been approved for use in the treatment of novel influenza virus infections. On the other hand, Fujifilm has started the phase-3 trial and increased the production of this drug.
The Executive Vice President of Global R&D, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr. Sushrut Kulkarni stated as, "Glenmark has been all set in order to initiate the immediate clinical trials on Favipiravir on COVID-19 patients in India. These clinical trials will help by showing the efficacy of this molecule on the COVID-19 patients.” He also added, "if the outcome of these clinical trials will be effective and positive, favipiravir could become a potential treatment for Covid-19 patients.

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