Optimus launches COVID-19 drug Favipiravir, commences commercial export

Optimus Pharma, a fast growing pharmaceutical company based in Hyderabad, has successfully developed and started commercial exports of the Favipiravir formulation, currently being used for COVID-19 treatment. They are the second fastest to develop this COVID-19 drug in India. The drug is being marketed under the brand name Favicovid both in India and other countries.

Favipiravir was primarily used for the treatment of Influenza and was developed by Toyoma Chemicals Japan. The drug has shown positive results in terms of reducing treatment duration and improved lung conditions in Covid-19 patients. The drug, already being used in countries like Japan, China, Russia and the UAE, is currently being used for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 and has a dosage duration of 4-14 days based on the condition of the patient.

Optimus Pharma manufactures the tablets of 200 mg and 400 mg at its US FDA, EUGMP, WHOGMP and TGA approved Hyderabad facility, which has a capacity of three billion tablets per annum.

Optimus is currently a leading player in Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Fungal, Hepatitis, Gastro, Central Nervous System (CNS) and has presence in over 100 countries including the USA, EU and Japan. Optimus has applied for approval with Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the finished dosage and is under process for receiving fast track approval from the drug authorities.

Prasthanth Reddy, Director of Optimus said, “This breakthrough in the fight against COVID -19 has been possible due to our strong scientific background. It will be our endeavour to make this product affordable to all sections of society. Even though there are other export orders, we are making sure that the domestic requirement for Favipiravir tablets is met as well and we are in process of increasing the capacity as well meet the increasing customer requirements. I thank the whole team of Optimus for this whole hearted endeavour and the drug regulatory authorities for their constant support and we hope we can overcome this pandemic together.”