Loading...
Researchers review the evidence for testing various drugs in treating COVID-19. Among the drugs reviewed is favipiravir, also known as T-705 or Avigan, a pyrazine derivative that acts as an inhibitor of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, causing chain termination and preventing RNA elongation. Favipiravir has demonstrated activity against influenza viruses, including those that are oseltamivir-resistant, and has been approved in Japan and China for the treatment of novel influenza virus infections. However, it is a mutagen and has potential for both teratogenicity and embryotoxicity in humans. It is orally available and is dosed twice daily in treating influenza. It has also been used for postexposure prophylaxis and treatment for Ebolavir…