Bharat Chauhan Mumbai, India has recently crossed the 1.28 million* mark of COVID-19 cases and has turned into a global hotspot of coronavirus. In an important development for COVID-19 patients in India, Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals launch of antiviral drug Favipiravir (brand name Favivent™) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.
This is not the first foray into timely, rapid innovation from the Jenburkt stable. This innovation-driven organization was the first in the world to introduce Nervijen, Metmin-A, Powergesic, Infartin and a few more, across multiple therapeutic areas. The company’s R & D unit, approved by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, is their gateway to health through innovation. According to Jenburkt, the medication will be available in the form of 1 strip of 10 tablets.
Earlier this year, the Drug Controller General of India approved the use of favipiravir – an antiviral drug developed in Japan and commonly used for treating influenza – for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 in India. Favipiravir is a broad spectrum anti-viral agent and selectively inhibits RNA polymerase of influenza virus and prevents viral replication. Favipiravir has a proven efficacy against a wide range of influenza viruses including strains resistant to existing anti-influenza drugs.
Commenting on the significance of this development, Mr. Ashish U. Bhuta, Chairman and Managing Director of Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said, “Our endeavor has always been to serve our patients – through them, we serve God, humanity and our nation. Given the current scenario of grave health concerns and economic challenges surrounding COVID-19 in India, if we as a pharmaceutical company cannot make a significant positive difference to the society, our company’s very existence is inconsequential. It is only Conscious Capitalism and Innovation which can sustain growth of any organisation in the long run.”
Countries across the world have a generally positive outlook on Favipiravir. Favipiravir has been approved for use against COVID-19 not just in India, but also in Japan, Russia and parts of the Middle East.
