Favipiravir

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Avigan; T-705

Definition
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Antiviral, RNA polymerase inhibitor. Favipiravir is mainly used in the therapy of influenza, but is also effective against a number of other RNA viruses. Favipiravir belongs to the pyrazine carboxamides (molecular formula C5H4FN3O2; structural formula see figure).

Pharmacodynamics (Effect)
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Favipiravir is a selective inhibitor of the RNA polymerase in RNA viruses. the viral RNA-dependent RNA- avipiravir polymerase of various viruses, but not of cellular polymerases. Favipiravir is effective against:

the influenza virus

West Nile Virus

the yellow fever virus

the foot-and-mouth disease virus

various flaviviruses, arena viruses, bunyaviruses, alpha viruses

various enteroviruses

the Ebola virus

the Rift Valley Virus.

Many viruses, including the Ebola virus, need the enzyme to transcribe their genes into m-RNA, which is accepted by the ribosomes, the protein factories of the cells. Favipiravir prevents this and thus interrupts viral replication.

Note(s)
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Favipiravir was used during the Ebola fever epidemic in 2014 as an emergency measure without the usually necessary drug approval for humans. On February 16, 2020, favipiravir received short-term approval for five years as an effective antiviral against COVID-19.

Literature
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  1. Caroline AL et al (2014) Broad Spectrum Antiviral Activity of Favipiravir (T-705): Protection from Highly Lethal Inhalational Rift Valley Fever. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 8: e2790.

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020