Strides Pharma commercialises Favipiravir tablets for COVID-19

Strides Pharma Science Limited has developed and commercialised Favipiravir antiviral tablets which is the generic version of Avigan of Toyama Chemical (Japan). It is the first Indian company to develop and commercially launch Favipiravir tablets for the global markets.

Favipiravir is an antiviral medication that was initially developed to treat influenza in Japan. In February 2020, post the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus, 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.

Strides Pharma have developed Favipiravir tablets in 400 mg and 200 mg strengths for convenient dosage administration. The product is currently being exported to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to treat patients under their treatment program for COVID-19. The company will also immediately apply to Indian Drug Authorities to commence necessary studies and make the drug available to Indian patients expeditiously.

Favipiravir tablets are being manufactured at Strides’ flagship facility in Bengaluru, India. The facility can produce up to six billion units of solid orals annually and is approved by USFDA, MHRA, WHO, TGA among others. Strides have also entered into a preferred arrangement with a leading Indian API manufacturer for the supplies of Favipiravir API. The partner has already commercialised Favipiravir API from its USFDA, KFDA, PMDA and WHO approved manufacturing facility and has capabilities to manufacture Favipiravir API from its key starting material (KSM) in-house.

On Wednesday, the stock of Strides Pharma jumped 8.5 per cent in the early morning session to Rs 405.90 from its previous close of Rs 374.25 on BSE.