Glenmark pharmaceuticals launched an antiviral drug called Favipiravir under the brand name FabiFlu for COVID treatment. It is the first oral medication for coronavirus treatment in India.
Favipiravir Under Brand Name of FabiFlu
The company will provide a pack of 34 200 gm tablets on an MRP of Rs 3500, which means that a pill will cost around Rs103. It is suitable for mild to moderate Covid-19. Also, the drug has proven in-vitro activity against SARS CoV2 virus. It is a prescription-based medication with a recommended dose that is 1,800 mg twice daily on day one. Following that, 800 mg twice daily up to day 14. Glenmark has received approval for manufacturing and marketing from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). However, its usage will be strictly subject to the informed consent of the patient. The firm is producing the drug at Baddi facility in Himachal Pradesh. The drug will be available through hospitals and retail stores soon.
Drug to Take Pressure of the Health Infrastructure
Chairman and MD Glenn Saldanha said that drug (Favipiravir) approval had been received at the right time when the cases in the country are increasing like anything. The launch of the drug will assuage the pressure of the healthcare system. He further added that the firm would closely work with the government and medical community to make it quickly accessible to the patients.
Dosage will Offer a Rapid Reduction in Viral Load
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals President, Sujesh Vasudevan said that the drug has a therapeutic safety margin for Covid-19 at the administered dose. Besides, as its orally consumable, it will benefit the hospital infrastructure, which is now under strain. Glenmark said that patients with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and heart disease with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms could use Favipiravir. Its administered dosage will offer a rapid reduction in viral load within four days. Consequently, it provides faster symptomatic and radiological improvement. The firm last month announced of conducting trials of drugs – Favipiravir and Umifenovir as a combination for moderate hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients.
In all, the drug could share the load of the increasing pressure on the health system of the country.