Glenmark gets nod for trials of anti-retroviral, others too in fray

MUMBAI: Even as Glenmark Pharma received a regulatory nod to initiate clinical trials of anti-retroviral drug Favipiravir on Covid-19 patients, other Mumbai-based firms are also readying plans to manufacture the product to cater to the demand. These include BDR Pharma and API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) manufacturer Lasa Supergenerics.

Favipiravir is an anti-viral drug approved in Japan for treating influenza and has shown promise as a potential treatment for coronavirus. Anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, or anti-retrovirals/anti-virals like Favipiravir and Lopinavir, are increasingly being used worldwide for Covid treatment. Glenmark has received approval from the country’s Drugs Controller General to start clinical trials in May on 150 mild-to-moderate patients of Covid-19, the first such firm, sources say.

Further, Strides Pharma said it has developed and commercialised Favipiravir tablets, a generic version of Avigan of Toyama Chemical, Japan. Strides is the first domestic firm to have commenced the export of Favipiravir.