CSIR begins clinical trials of two drugs

On May 8, 2020, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) begins its clinical trials on Favipiravir and Phytopharmaceutical.

Highlights

• Apart from Favipiravir and Phytopharmaceutical, the CSIR is also working on native herbs as biological medicine. 
• The DGCI (Drug Controller General of India) has approved the clinical trials to be conducted by the CSIR.
• Favipiravir is commonly used in China and Japan and also in other countries to treat influenza.

Other medicines

• Apart from the two medicines, the CSIR is also trying several other drugs. 
• In May 2016, the pharmaceutical company ICCGEB (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology), Delhi had signed agreement to develop botanical drug to treat dengue. 
• The efficacy of this medicine in treating COVID-19 is almost similar. 
• The drug is already in phase II of human trial.
• The clinical trial of Favipiravir is to be completed in about one and half months. 
• If the tests are successful, the drugs are to be available at affordable prices.