Insta
Glenmark Pharma Begins Phase 3 Of Clinical Trials For Favipiravir, Potential COVID-19 Drug In India
Swarajya Staff
May 12, 2020, 01:36 PM | Updated 01:36 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals became the first company in India to have begun the phase 3 of clinical trials of antiviral Favipiravir, a potential drug for COVID-19 patients.
“Clinical trials have commenced and over 10 leading government and private hospitals in India are being enrolled for the study. Glenmark estimates study completion by July or August,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday (12 May), News18 reported.
Glenmark was the first company to have received the approval from the Drug Controller General of India late last month, according to news agency ANI.
Favipiravir, as per the report, happens to be a generic version of Avigan of Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co Ltd in Japan, a subsidiary of Fujifilm Corporation.
The Indian pharma major has developed the active pharma ingredient (API) and the formulations for the product through its R&D team. The drug has acted strongly against influenza (common flu) virus and it has been approved for treatment of novel coronavirus infections in Japan.
if commercialised, the molecule will be sold under the brand name of FabiFlu in India, said the company.
“Several health and medical experts both in and outside of Glenmark are eager to see the effect that Favipiravir has on Covid-19 cases,” Monika Tandon, Vice President and Head of Clinical Development, Global Specialty/Branded Portfolio at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals was quoted as saying by ANI.
“We believe the study results will be significant as there is currently no effective treatment for the virus. The data we get from these trials will point us in a clearer direction with regard to Covid-19 treatment and management,” she said.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.