COVID-19 cases continue to rise exponentially in India while the search for cure continues. Favipiravir, an antiviral medication that was initially developed to treat flu in Japan was found to be effective in the experimental treatment of COVID-19 patients in China and few other countries. Favipiravir is a generic version of Avigan of Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co.Ltd., Japan, a subsidiary of Fujifilm Corporation.

Favipiravir will be marketed by Brinton Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Faviton and will be available in 200mg & 400mg tablets. Faviton will be initially launched in 18 countries where Brinton has its own presence. In India, It will be launched once DCGI approval process is completed.

Speaking to the press, Mr. RahulKumar Darda, CMD said “For Brinton, wellbeing of the Nation comes first. When country is in need then we should work at lightning speed without thinking about the outcome. In the month of March itself,

For Brinton, wellbeing of the Nation comes first. When country is in need then we should work at lightning speed without thinking about the outcome

we could quickly assess the situation and Brinton went that extra mile to make the necessary products available and help control the spread of the pandemic.”

Brinton entered into a partnership with BGI Europe to launch its Real Time Fluorescent RT PCR kit meant for the detection of COVID-19 in India. Brinton is also working simultaneously on setting up COVID-19 mobile testing labs at containment zones in India. Recently WHO has included BGI’s RT PCR kit in its emergency use list. To address the current pandemic situation Brinton also quickly produced essential items viz., N95 Mask, PPE Kit, OPD Kit for the access of HCPs and general public.

Favipiravir-The report quoted Zhang Xinmin, an official in China’s science and technology ministry, as saying: “Favipiravir, developed by a subsidiary of Fujifilm with brand name Avigan, had produced encouraging outcomes in clinical trials in Wuhan and Shenzhen involving 340 patients. It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment.” The use of Favipiravir showed definite improvements in lung condition in 91 per cent of the patients treated with it, compared to 62 per cent of those treated without the drug, the report added.