Strides Pharma from Bengaluru develops drug to fight Covid-19

Strides Pharma today announced that it has developed and commercialized Favipiravir Antiviral tablets. They have also stressed that the drug has demonstrated positive outcomes in Covid-19 treatment globally. The product is a generic version of Avigan of Toyama Chemical, Japan.

Favipiravir is an antiviral medication that was initially developed to treat influenza in Japan. In February, after the COVID-19 outbreak, Favipiravir was studied in several countries as an experimental treatment of Covid-19.

Strides Pharma said in a filing to BSE, “Favipiravir is an antiviral medication that was initially developed to treat influenza in Japan. In February 2020, post the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), Favipiravir was studied in China and several other countries as an experimental treatment of Covid-19. The drug has demonstrated positive outcomes, including a reduction in the duration of Covid-19 and improved lung conditions for the patients.”

The statement further added, “Favipiravir tablets are being manufactured at Strides’ flagship facility in Bangalore, India. The facility can produce up to 6 billion units of solid orals annually and is approved by the USFDA, MHRA, WHO, TGA, among others.”

Shares of Strides Pharma today zoomed 18% to ₹442. The Sensex was up over 1% in afternoon trade.

Strides have developed Favipiravir tablets in 400mg and 200mg strengths. They are currently exporting it to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The company has also entered into an arrangement with a leading Indian API manufacturer for the supplies of Favipiravir API(active pharmaceutical ingredient).

They will now apply to Indian drug authorities to commence necessary studies. Soon the drug will be made available to Indian patients.

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