Photo: PTI

Hyderabad-based CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) developed a cost-effective process using locally available chemicals to synthesise the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) for manufacturing Favipiravir. It is an off-patent anti-viral drug originally discovered by Fuji Pharma in Japan and has shown promise in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, especially in mild and moderate cases.

CSIR transferred the technology to Cipla Pharmaceuticals which is now all set to launch Favipiravir. Cipla scaled up the process transferred by CSIR-IICT in their manufacturing facility and approached DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) for permission to launch the product in India, which has given approval for restricted emergency use for Favipiravir in the country. Cipla is now all set to launch the product by the name ‘Ciplenza’ at Rs 68 per tablet, which would be about 10% cheaper than the first Favipiravir brand in India ‘FabiFlu’, launched by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

The CSIR-IICT technology is very efficient and makes it affordable and allows Cipla to make large quantities of the product within a short span of time. CSIR Director-General Dr Shekhar C. Mande observed that CSIR is working with the industry in developing quick solutions and products for mitigation of COVID-19 and this partnership with Cipla is an example of how CSIR is committed to bringing repurposed drugs soon.