To ramp up India’s fight against Covid-19, pharmaceutical company Cipla and CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have developed Ciplenza (indigenous version of Favipiravir drug) — a convenient and cost-effective drug for Covid treatment. While speaking exclusively to The Daily Guardian, S. Chandrasekhar, director, CSIRIICT, said that the medicine would hit the market next week. He also added that since discovering a drug in such a short time during the pandemic was not possible, they went for “repurposing” an existing drug, which would be cheaper and thus not out of the reach for common people. Excerpts:
Q. When do you think indigenous versions of Favipiravir will be available in the market?
A. The Favipiravir by Glenmark is already in the market. Our collaborator Cipla will make Ciplenza available next week.
Q. What is the concept of repurposing the drug? How is it useful in making Ciplenza?
A. Repurposing means using a drug which was initially discovered for a disease for another disease if symptoms and mode of action are the same. Favipiravir was initially discovered for influenza virus in Japan.
Q. What would be the cost of Ciplenza?
A. Now it is priced at Rs 68 per tablet but it will reduce further depending on the demand and supply.
Q. How much dosage has to be given to the patient?
A. It depends on the patient’s condition but the course is for 14 days: 3.6 gm for the first day and 1.6 gm from the second day.
Q. How did you source the chemicals and reduce the price of the drug?
A. The indigenous chemicals are completely sourced from Indian companies which have helped in bringing down the import dependency so that an affordable version of the drug could be made available for the country.
Q. What was the first thought in your mind about a drug when the pandemic broke out?
A . We had multiple thoughts like discovering a new drug which was not possible quickly; repurpose existing drugs which helped us to work on Favipiravir and Umifenovir and vaccine development which luckily has progressed very well.
Q. What are the challenges you are facing in drug supply during Covid-19 pandemic?
A. There are many challenges including supply chain disruption. Students and faculties had to work at odd conditions because of social distancing. Suddenly the workforce was required to be in isolation to protect them from getting Covid-positive. Also, several students and project staff were stuck at various places but now slowly they are joining.