Dr Reddy's launches COVID-19 drug Avigan

Avigan comes in a complete therapy pack of 122 tablets with a two-year shelf life.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Wednesday announced the launch of Avigan (favipiravir) 200 mg tablets in India.

The launch is part of the global licensing agreement with Fujifilm Toyama Chemical that grants the Indian drugmaker the exclusive rights to manufacture, sell and distribute the tablets in India, chief executive officer of Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr Reddy's Laboratories, M V Ramana said.

Avigan (favipiravir) has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 disease.

Speaking to reporters, Ramana said: "We are pleased to bring this important innovator medicine to the patients in India.

“The need for high quality and efficacy, affordability and better disease management are key priorities for us.

“We believe that Avigan would provide an effective treatment option to the COVID-19 impacted patients in India."

Avigan comes in a complete therapy pack of 122 tablets with a two-year shelf life.

To ensure accelerated access to the medicine, Dr Reddy's has initiated a free home delivery service in 42 cities in the country, and a Helpline Centre between 9 am and 9 pm IST, Monday through Saturday.

Ramana further said as of now they are importing the drug from Japan and soon will manufacture it in India.

Replying to query, he said they have already approached regulatory authorities of two or three countries including the US seeking approvals to sell the drug and seek fast track approvals from them once trials are completed.

Dr Reddy's is set to launch another COVID-19 treatment drug, Remdesivir in the first week of September, he added.

Photograph: Reuters