An off-patent anti-viral drug Favipiravir, originally discovered by Fuji, Japan has shown promise in clinical trials for the treatment of Covid-19 patients, especially the mild and the moderate patients.

CSIR constituent lab CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed a cost effective process using locally available chemicalsto synthesize this Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and transferred the technology to leading pharmaceutical industry M/s Cipla Limited.

Cipla has scaled up the process in their manufacturing facility and approached DCGI for permission to launch the product in India. Given that DCGI has given restricted emergency use for Favipiravir in the country, Cipla is now all set to launch the product to help patients suffering from Covid-19.

Commenting on the development, Director CSIR-IICR, Dr. S Chandrashekhar said that the technology provided by CSIR-IICT is very efficient and makes it affordable and allows Cipla to make large quantities of the product within a short span of time.

DG-CSIR, Dr. Shekhar C Mande observed that CSIR is working with industry in developing quick solutions and products for mitigation of Covid-19 and this partnership with Cipla is an example of how CSIR is committed to bringing repurposed drugs on a fast track.

Meanwhile, the Brinton Pharmaceuticals, a Pune-based pharmaceutical company, said it has received approval from Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to market an antiviral drug Favipiravir under the brand name Faviton. It will be available in 200 mg tablets at Rs 59.

Favipiravir, an orally administered medication, is emerging as an effective treatment option in the management of mild to moderate Covid-19 patients. In India, Favipiravir was first approved by the regulatory authorities in June under emergency use authorization to treat Covid-19 patients.

Faviton will be available in a strip of 10 tablets and 50 tablets in a box, which is a rational pack for the treatment. It comes with 90 days shelf-life with an MRP of Rs 59. Brinton is one of the few companies to market this drug in India. It has also planned to export it.

Rahul Kumar Darda, Chairman and Managing Director of Brinton, said the company has a strong distribution network that will help to make Faviton available across all Covid-19 treatment centres.