CIPLA set to begin clinical testing of favipiravir

New Delhi: Cipla, an Indian pharmaceutical giant,  has sought approval from Indian regulators to start experimenting a drug called ‘Favipiravir’ to treat corona positive patients. Under the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research, Cipla will conduct trials of the drug before launching it in the market.

Earlier on May 30, a Mumbai based pharmaceutical company, Glenmark said it has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India to conduct clinical trials of drug Favipiravir on patients with mild to moderate effect of the virus.

Currently, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has identified 25 drugs/drug candidate for fighting the virus. Among these 25 drugs, Favipiravir has emerged as one of the most promising drugs. The drug Favipiravir is developed by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Ltd. and is used in the treatment for patients suffering from influenza.

“The Hyderabad based, CSIR-IICT has developed a cost-effective process for Favipiravir and as a collaborative effort, CSIR-IICT has transferred the entire process and significant quantities of pharma grade Favipiravir to Cipla for clinical testing. Cipla will be conducting research and testing before launching the drug into the Indian market,” said Ministry of Science & Technology.