The Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) has given a nod to clinical trials of the drug favipiravir, which is used in influenza, against COVID-19. While approving the drug for trial, Director-General Shekhar Mande stated that it could potentially be useful against the coronavirus. Favipiravir, sold under the name Avigan, was first developed six years ago by a Japanese pharmaceutical company called Fujifilm Toyama Chemical to treat influenza. © REUTERS / POOLNew COVID-19 Antiviral Drug Remdesivir Offers ‘No Significant’ Benefit, More Research Needed-StudyOn 30 April, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Mumbai, received approval from the drug regulator DGCI to conduct clinical trials of favipiravir antiviral tablets on mild to moderately ill COVID-19 patients. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in a meeting, held for Corona Vaccine Development, that 30 vaccines are in different stages of study in the country for the development of a coronavirus vaccine, with a few going on to trial stages. Medical authorities in China stated that the Japanese flu drug favipiravir appeared to be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. The US is also seeking approval of the drug for emergency use against the novel coronavirus. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also striving to fast-track the… Read full this story
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