Favipiravir is an antiviral drug used in Japan to treat patients suffering from the influenza virus and is now said to be effective against COVID-19 too. It has had over 18 clinical trials for COVID patients and has shown positive results.
Currently, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is conducting a phase 3 clinical trial of this drug on people with mild COVID. Also, The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is said to have permitted the Mumbai-based company that this drug can be used in the treatment of people suffering from mild to moderate severity of COVID infection.
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However, there is not much scientific evidence that it can cure or treat COVID.
Earlier, the Japanese who approved this drug for Influenza has made it compulsory to print behind the label that the drug cannot be used by pregnant or lactating women.