Indian company initiates phase-3 clinical trials on anti-viral drug for COVID-19

MUMBAI - Indian pharmaceutical company, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has initiated Phase-3 clinical trials on anti-viral Favipiravir by enrolling COVID-19 patients in over 10 government and private hospitals in the country, a company statement said on Tuesday.

Favipiravir is a generic version of Avigan brand owned by Japan's Fujifilm Corporation subsidiary Toyama Chemical. The drug is prescribed for treatment of novel influenza virus infections in Japan.

As per the approved clinical trial protocol, 150 persons with mild to moderate COVID-19 will be randomized in the study in a 1:1 ratio to Favipiravir with standard supportive care or standalone standard supportive care. Treatment duration is a maximum of 14 days and the total study duration will be a maximum of 28 days from randomization, the statement said.

The results will be released in July to August.