Favipiravir HU

Favipiravir HU is a specific oral formulation of the antiviral agent favipiravir, developed and evaluated by the University of Pecs in Hungary for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a prodrug, favipiravir is ribosylated and phosphorylated intracellularly to form its active metabolite, favipiravir-ribofuranosyl-5'-triphosphate (favipiravir-RTP). This active form acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). By mimicking purine nucleotides, it is incorporated into the viral RNA strand, leading to chain termination or lethal mutagenesis, thereby halting viral replication. The University of Pecs initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of this formulation as an add-on therapy to standard of care in patients with asymptomatic to mild COVID-19, specifically noting that the study was intended for pandemic response rather than formal regulatory registration.

Brand names

Avifavir

Other names

Favipiravir HU-University of Pecs-COVID-19Favipiravir HU 200 mg hard capsules