Can favipiravir help treat COVID-19?
Favipiravir, an antiviral drug used for influenza in Japan, is currently being studied in humans for treating COVID-19 in over 30 clinical trials (as of Octoboer 26, 2020). It is not known whether it is safe or helpful for this disease. Sometimes new treatment ideas turn out to help, and sometimes they are actually proven to be harmful. The best way to learn how to treat COVID-19 is to conduct randomized controlled clinical trials. You can search for in-progress clinical trials at trialstoday.org.
What is favipiravir used to treat?
For more guidance, see Wikipedia:Translation. Favipiravir, sold under the brand name Avigan among others, is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza in Japan. It is also being studied to treat a number of other viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2.
How does favipiravir affect RNA polymerase?
The mechanism of its actions is thought to be related to the selective inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Other research suggests that favipiravir induces lethal RNA transversion mutations, producing a nonviable viral phenotype.
Is there a tautomer of favipiravir in the Zika virus?
Favipiravir has showed limited efficacy against Zika virus in animal studies, but was less effective than other antivirals such as MK-608. The agent has also shown some efficacy against rabies, and has been used experimentally in some humans infected with the virus. The possible tautomerism of favipiravir has been investigated computationally.
How do I obtain written consent for favipiravir?
Written consent from each patient or his representative shall be obtained by the prescriber i.e. medical representative before the drug administration. Favipiravir is the first oral antiviral drug treatment option for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases. An informed consent form is provided with each pack of the medicine.