Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launches antiviral drug Favipiravir for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 cases

India: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has introduced antiviral drug Favipiravir in India for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 cases. The drug has been approved by the Indian drug regulator and will be available under the brand name FabiFlu as a prescription-based medication for INR103 per tablet. The recommended dose is 1,800 mg twice a day on day 1 and 800 mg twice a day up to 14th day, as per the global pharmaceutical company.

Glenmark received the approval for manufacturing and marketing Favipiravir from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).  According to the company, manufacturing and marketing approval has been granted as part of an accelerated approval process, considering the emergency situation caused by COVID-19 in India. The drugs are being produced by the company at its Baddi facility located in Himachal Pradesh. It will be available through both hospitals and retail channels.

Favipiravir offers broad spectrum RNA virus coverage with considerable clinical improvements observed in individuals aged between 20-90 plus. According to the company, patients from over 10 leading government and private hospitals were enrolled for the study and post completion of study, the drug has been commercially launched.

Chairman and Managing Director of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said, "The approval has come at a time when cases in India are spiraling, putting tremendous pressure on our healthcare system. We hope the availability of an effective treatment such as 'FabiFlu' will considerably help assuage this pressure and offer patients in India a much needed and timely therapy option.”

According to TechSci Research, “The pharmaceutical giant was the first company in India to receive the drug regulator's approval to conduct phase-3 clinical trial of Favipiravir antiviral tablets for COVID-19 patients. Glenmark was able to develop the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and formulation for FabiFlu with the help of its in-house R&D team. Increasing cases of SARS CoV-2 in India and across the globe are expected to drive the market for Favipiravir through 2025.”

According to the recently published report by TechSci Research, “Asia Pacific Favipiravir Market By Route of Administration (Oral v/s Intravenous), By Dosage Form (Tablet v/s Capsule), By Distribution Channel (Hospitals, Clinics, Drug Stores/Pharmacies, Online, Others), By Application (Influenza A&B, Ebola, COVID-19), By Country, Forecast & Opportunities, 2025”, the Asia Pacific favipiravir market is expected to grow at an impressive rate during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific favipiravir market is driven by the extensive use of this drug in the treatment of COVID-19 disease as it has a similar mechanism of action against the COVID-19 virus just like against the influenza virus. The drug inhibits the activity of RNA polymerase and COVID-19 is unable to replicate.

According to the recently published report by TechSci Research, “India Coronavirus Testing Kits Market By Type of Test (Molecular v/s Serology), By Use (Disposable v/s Reusable), By Full Test Time (5 Minutes, 5- 15 Minutes, 15-60Minutes, 1 Hours- 5 Hours, 5 Hours-12Hours, 12 Hours-24Hours, More Than 1 Days), By Technology (RT-PCR, IgG, IgM ELISA Test, Microneutralization Assays), By Specimen Type (Nose & Throat Swab, Blood, Sputum, Nasal Aspirate), By Mobility (Portable v/s Stationary), By End Use (Hospitals, Clinics, Public Health Labs, Private or Commercial Labs, Physician Labs, Research Institutes, Others), By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2025”, India coronavirus testing kits market is expected to grow at a formidable rate during the forecast period. The India coronavirus testing kits market is driven by the growing prevalence of the disease cross different parts of the country. Additionally, India has been criticized so far for conducting lesser number of tests as compared to other countries and as a result of which, the country has started up ramping up the testing procedures. This in turn is expected to positively influence the growth of market over next few years. Furthermore, introduction of ‘Made in India’ testing kits concept in the country due to increase in the prevalence of disease and lack of testing kits has encouraged the number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to come up with their own testing kits, which is further expected to spur the market growth in the country.