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Review
. 2020 Oct;76(4):370-376.
doi: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2020.08.004. Epub 2020 Sep 2.

Favipiravir: A new and emerging antiviral option in COVID-19

Umang Agrawal  1 , Reyma Raju  2 , Zarir F Udwadia  3
Affiliations
Review

Favipiravir: A new and emerging antiviral option in COVID-19

Umang Agrawal et al. Med J Armed Forces India. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

With over 16 million cases reported from across the globe, the SARS-CoV-2, a mere 125 microns in diameter, has left an indelible impact on our world. With the paucity of new drugs to combat this disease, the medical community is in a race to identify repurposed drugs that may be effective against this novel coronavirus. One of the drugs which has recently garnered much attention, especially in India, is an anti-viral drug originally designed for influenza, called favipiravir. In this article, we have tried to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based review of this drug in the context of the present pandemic to elucidate its role in the management of COVID-19.

Keywords: Antiviral drugs; COVID-19; Favipiravir; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have none to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Chemical structure of favipiravir.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Mechanism of action of favipiravir.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Figure depicting adverse effects of favipiravir (source: Fabiflu monograph).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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