FDC launches two variants of COVID-19 drug Favipiravir in India at ₹55 per tablet

• Favipiravir has demonstrated positive clinical outcomes in some trials and has already been approved for use to treat Covid-19 in Russia and parts of the Middle East.
  
• FDC launched two variants of Favipiravir in India at ₹55 per tablet under the brand names PiFLU and Favenza.
  
• Several other companies have launched the generic versions of Favipiravir so far in India.
  
• The cheapest version from Sun Pharmaceuticals' stable, which charges ₹35 per tablet.

FDC has launched two variants of Favipiravir in India at ₹55 per tablet under the brand names PiFLU and Favenza.

"Early diagnosis and treatment will help in arresting the deteriorating condition of patients, and we will be working with the government and healthcare fraternity to make Favenza and PiFLU available across the country” FDC spokesperson Mayank Tikkha said. According to FDC, both the variants are available in India.

Favipiravir was originally developed to treat novel influenza in Japan and was sold by different manufacturers under the name Avigan, Abigan, and Fabiflu.

Several other companies have launched the generic versions of Favipiravir so far in India. The cheapest version is developed by Sun Pharmaceuticals, which charges ₹35 per tablet.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, on August 19, joined the list of companies which launched their own generic version of favipiravir in India. The company has priced ‘Avigan’ at ₹99 — a premium price when compared to other versions of the same drug. The whole course of the tablet is expected to cost over ₹12,000.

Earlier this month, two more Indian pharma companies — Sun Pharmaceuticals and Zendara Pharma — said they are manufacturing Favipiravir in the country to treat coronavirus. Glenmark was the first to launch the drug in India followed by Cipla,

Sun Pharmaceuticals on August 4 announced the launch of Favipiravir, under brand name FluGuard, at ₹35 per tablet for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of Covid-19 in India. The stocks of FluGuard will be available in the market from this week.

"We are launching FluGuard at an economical price to make the drug accessible to more and more patients, thereby reducing their financial burden. This is in line with our continuous efforts to support India's pandemic response," Sun Pharma said.

Hyderabad-based Zenara Pharma on August 5 announced that it has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to manufacture and sell Favipiravir tablets as a treatment option for patients with mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19.

The tablet, which will be sold under the brand name 'Favizen', is being manufactured at Zenara's US FDA approved state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad.

Zara Pharma, a fully-owned subsidiary of Biophore India Pharmaceuticals, is in talks with multiple state institutions and several hospitals in India to ensure that Favizen is readily available for the patients in need.

Favipiravir has demonstrated positive clinical outcomes in some trials and has already been approved for use to treat Covid-19 in Russia and parts of the Middle East. Advance stage trials are currently underway in several countries, including India.

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