Glenmark Pharma Begins Phase 3 Of Clinical Trials For Favipiravir, Potential COVID-19 Drug In India

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.