Dr Seema Pavgi Upadhye | Updated on July 16
We are witnessing COVID-19 pandemic since September 2019 when China first imposed lockdown and then every country had to do this because of growing number of cases and mortality. Since January, scientists all over the world are trying to develop a vaccine or cure against this deadly virus but there is no hope yet. Here, we are providing a list of drugs from India that are being considered for COVID-19 treatment with complete status till date.
Note: This article does not endorse any drug/therapy for COVID-19 or any other condition.
1. Favipiravir
Patent (holding company) – Expired, generic version of Avigan, a Fujifilm drug commonly used in Japan for the treatment of influenza
Mode of action– Oral antiviral drug
Clinical trial– Glenmark’s clinical trial of 150 mild to moderate patients
Controversies, if any – Cannot be given to patients with severe renal complications, hepatic impairment, pregnant and lactating women, according reports by Fujita Health University, Avigan has failed to show any ability to treat COVID-19.
Authorization by Global regulators – drug not approved in the EU or US, approved in Russia and parts of the Middle East
Authorization by Indian regulators – fast-tracked by Drug Controller General of India Received Emergency Use on 19.06.2020
Companies involved– Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
Price – Fabiflu, at Rs 75 / tablet
2. Dexamethasone
Patent (holding company) – NA
Mode of action– Works as corticosteroid medication. It is used in the treatment of many conditions such as rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, and along with antibiotics in tuberculosis.
Clinical trial- Clinical trial ongoing – UK’s RECOVERY Trial
Controversies, if any – N.A
Authorization by Global regulators – U.K and U.S. issued an emergency use authorization
Authorization by Indian regulators – “off-label” drug for COVID-19 severe cases
Companies involved- Several
Price – ~ Rs. 2/ tablet
Other Drugs discussed:
- Remdesivir
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Tocilizumab
- Itolizumab
- Convalescent Plasma Therapy
- Methylprednisolone
- Antibiotics
