Favipiravir use for SARS CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Introduction: The pandemic of SARS CoV-2 has required urgent medical treatments for numerous patients. As no specific antiviral agents were available, different off-the-shelf alternatives have been explored.

Objective: Here, we review the rationale behind the use of Favipiravir, and report of the specific studies supporting this treatment being conducted.

Methods: Here we analyze the relevant literature to conclude about the present opportunities offered by this therapeutic agent.

Results: This antiviral drug approved influenza in Japan since 2014, has a demonstrated in vitro activity against SARS CoV-2 and is being investigated in several trials for SARS CoV-2. Signals of benefit were shown in a small trial for SARS CoV-2. However, in another small study, there was no advantage.

Conclusions: Further studies, statistically more significant, are urgently needed to understand the best opportunities offered by this treatment.

Keywords: Animal studies; Favipiravir; Human trials; Laboratory experiments; SARS CoV-2.

Fig. 1

a Favipiravir molecule from molview.org/?cid=492405. The formula is C₅H₄FN₃O₂. The molecular weight is 157.1 µg, hydrogen bond donors 2, hydrogen bond acceptors 4. Percent composition is C 12.0107 µg × 5 38.226%; H 1.00794 µg × 4, 2.5663%; F 18.998404 µg × 1, 12.093%; N 14.0067 µg × 3, 26.747%; and O 15.9994 µg × 2, 20.368%. Systematic name is 5-fluoro-2-oxo-1H-pyrazine-3-carboxamide. b Oseltamivir molecule from molview.org/?cid=65028. The formula is C₁₆H₂₈N₂O₄. The molecular weight is 312.4 µg, hydrogen bond donors 2, hydrogen bond acceptors 5. Percent composition is C 12.0107 µg × 16, 61.514%, H 1.00794 µg × 28, 9.0339%, N 14.0067 µg × 2, 8.9670%, and O 15.9994 µg × 4, 20.485%