May 13, 2020 -- Glenmark has launched phase III clinical trials in India to assess the use of its favipiravir antiviral tablets on COVID-19 patients. The drug is a generic version of Fujifilm Toyama Chemical's Avigan.
The study will enroll patients from over 10 government and private hospitals and is expected to be completed by July or August, Glenmark said. Per the clinical protocol, 150 subjects will be enrolled in a randomized study in a 1-1 ratio to favipiravir with standard supportive care or standalone standard supportive care. Treatment will be given for a maximum of 14 days.
Glenmark developed the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and formulations for the product in-house. If commercialized, the molecule will be marketed in India under the brand name FabiFlu. Favipiravir has already been approved for use in Japan.