• Bajaj Healthcare has successfully produced the API and Favipiravir using its in-house R&D team.
• Favijaj will be available across India in recommended doses through a prescription-based medication.

Indian pharmaceutical company Bajaj Healthcare Limited has introduced an antiviral drug called ‘Favijaj’ (Favipiravir) to treat critical COVID-19 patients. The drug has been recognized to be effective among patients suffering from the influenza virus.

The announcement comes after Bajaj Healthcare obtained approval from India’s drug regulator to produce as well as commercialize Favijaj in India starting 4th May. For those unaware, Favijaj tablets consist of Favipiravir in various dosage forms and can be used for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.

The pharma company had successfully produced the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) and Favipiravir using its in-house R&D team.

Favijaj will be available across India in recommended doses through a prescription-based medication. According to Bajaj Healthcare, the antiviral drug Favipiravir has shown favorable potency in Vitro activity against acute respiratory syndrome associated with the Coronavirus.

Joint Managing Director at Bajaj Healthcare Anil Jain was quoted saying that the second wave of the pandemic has been more aggressive as compared to the first. He expects to ease the pressure of the second wave by making Favijaj easily available across the country.

The Indian drug controller has approved Bajaj Healthcare to supply Favijaj in domestic and international markets. The pharma company was trading at 9.95% higher at USD 7.83 following the announcement.

Meanwhile, more than 20 million COVID-19 cases have been detected in India, with around 5 million infections added within 15 days.

As India reels under the second wave, around 40 countries have stepped up since the last week to send essential supplies such as therapeutic essentials, generators, and oxygen tanks. The Central government has also started distributing foreign aid across the country.

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