Drug to treat Covid-19 ready, says Strides Pharma; stock rises 20%

Firm says will apply to Indian pharma authorities to start studies

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Strides Pharma Science said on Wednesday it had developed and commercialised an antiviral that has demonstrated positive outcomes in patients who have tested positive for coronavirus disease.
 

Favipiravir, which is being touted to have proven to reduce duration of Covid and improve lung conditions for patients, is a generic version of Avigan that was initially developed in Japan to treat influenza. It has been called one of the most promising drug against the virus by the government task force.
 

The product, available in 400 mg and 200 mg strengths, is being exported to Gulf countries. “We are the