Bal Pharma announced the launch of Favipiravir formulation in the Indian market, under the brand name BALflu.

Favipiravir is an emerging antiviral drug used for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. This formulation is available in tablets form with 400 mg strength. Favipiravir inhibits and terminates viral protein synthesis and induces lethal metagenesis of the influenza virus.

BALflu is a broad spectrum formulation also used in the treatment of 53 types of Influenza virus including seasonal strains such as Ebola virus, arenavirus, bunyavirus, filovirus, West Nile virus, foot and mouth disease virus and Lassa virus.

BALflu (favipiravir) is approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for emergency use for the treatment of COVID-19 with a recommended dosage of 1800 mg on the first day followed by 800 mg from day 2 to 14.

Shailesh Siroya, MD, Bal Pharma said that the BALflu has the efficacy to clear the virus faster by 28.7 per cent and is marketed at a price of Rs 85 per tablet.

BALflu is made available across all the major markets in India as a prescription drug.