On May 8, 2020, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) begins its clinical trials on Favipiravir and Phytopharmaceutical.

Highlights

Apart from Favipiravir and Phytopharmaceutical, the CSIR is also working on native herbs as biological medicine. The DGCI (Drug Controller General of India) has approved the clinical trials to be conducted by the CSIR.

Favipiravir is commonly used in China and Japan and also in other countries to treat influenza.

Other medicines

Apart from the two medicines, the CSIR is also trying several other drugs. In May 2016, the pharmaceutical company ICCGEB (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology), Delhi had signed agreement to develop botanical drug to treat dengue. The efficacy of this medicine in treating COVID-19 is almost similar. The drug is already in phase II of human trial.

The clinical trial of Favipiravir is to be completed in about one and half months. If the tests are successful, the drugs are to be available at affordable prices.