Clinical Evidence of Favipiravir in the Management of COVID-19 Disease
Abstract
Favipiravir is an oral drug used for the treatment of new or re-emergent influenza when other anti-influenza agents are not effective.
Favipiravir is metabolized to ribosyl triphosphate form which inhibits RNA polymerase involved in influenza viral replication. We have
observed that several clinical trials have been conducted in Russia, China, and Japan to evaluate the efficacy of Favipiravir in COVID-19
patients. Results showed that the rate of clinical recovery was high in moderate patients. The drug also showed faster viral clearance
and improvement in chest imaging. The mortality rate was low in younger patients. Favipiravir was proven to reduce the duration of
signs and symptoms in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. The common adverse events observed were diarrhea, kidney
injury, increased serum uric acid. Overall Favipiravir significantly achieved viral clearance, improved clinical status and is generally well
tolerated. Further studies are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Favipiravir in COVID-19 patients.
