India has recently crossed the 1.29 million* mark of Covid-19 cases and has turned into a global coronavirus global hotspot. In an important development for Covid-19 patients in India, Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals, a public listed company headquartered in Mumbai with a legacy of over 30 years in high-quality pharmaceutical solutions, and having international presence, announced the launch of antiviral drug Favipiravir (brand name Favivent) for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms for Rs 39 per tablet.
The company claims to be the first to introduce Nervijen, Metmin-A, Powergesic, Infartin, and a few more, across multiple therapeutic areas. The company’s R & D unit, approved by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, is their gateway to health through innovation.
Jenburkt is claimed to be the second in India to introduce Favipiravir (brand name Favivent) for the treatment of Covid-19. Favivent is manufactured at a pharmaceutical plant that is compliant with US Food and Drug Administration) and EDQM (The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare) standards located in the state of Telangana, with the highest safety and manufacturing protocols in place. According to Jenburkt, the medication will be available in the form of 1 strip of 10 tablets.
Earlier this year, the Drug Controller General of India approved the use of favipiravir – an antiviral drug developed in Japan and commonly used for treating influenza – to treat mild to moderate cases of Covid-19 in India. Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent and selectively inhibits RNA polymerase of influenza virus and prevents viral replication. Favipiravir has proven efficacy against a wide range of influenza viruses, including strains resistant to existing anti-influenza drugs.
Commenting on the significance of this development, Ashish U Bhuta, chairman and managing director of Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals, said, “Our endeavor has always been to serve our patients – through them, we serve God, humanity and our nation. Given the current scenario of grave health concerns and economic challenges surrounding Covid-19 in India, if we as a pharmaceutical company cannot make a significant positive difference to the society, our company’s very existence is inconsequential. It is only conscious capitalism and innovation that can sustain any organization’s growth in the long run.”
Countries across the world have a generally positive outlook on Favipiravir. Favipiravir has been approved for use against Covid-19 not just in India but also in Japan, Russia, and parts of the Middle East.
Favivent (Favipiravir 200 mg) can benefit patients showing mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19. It will be available as a prescription-only drug and administered in the prescribed dosage under a certified practicing doctor’s supervision only with the patient’s informed consent.
He added, “With the rising number of cases, our country’s medical infrastructure and front-line warriors are under tremendous pressure. We hope the easy accessibility and affordable price point of an effective treatment such as Favivent will offer our citizens a timely, much-needed therapeutic solution.” “At Jenburkt, we think of philanthropy as a unique instrument of social innovation that leads to more resilient, healthy citizens. Our organization has a long legacy of giving back to society. We plan to work closely with local and government organizations, along with the medical community, to ensure that the product is made available to COVID-19 patients at the earliest”, shared Bhuta in terms of the way forward with the product.
