A review on favipiravir: the properties, function, and usefulness to treat COVID-19

Introduction At this time, there is no specific therapeutic or vaccine for treatment of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, available drugs for treatment of other viral infections may be useful to treat COVID-19. Areas covered The focus of the current review was studying the main characteristics of favipiravir and its usefulness to treat COVID-19. An electronic search was done by using Pubmed and Google scholar. Expert opinion Based on the mechanism of action and safety of favipiravir, the drug may be a promising candidate for compassionate use against the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Favipiravir has a wide range of activity against many single-stranded RNA viruses, is well tolerated in humans and has a high barrier to resistance. However, high doses of the agent are necessary to obtain an efficient antiviral activity. Favipiravir is teratogen in pregnant women and associated with the hyperuricemia. Therefore, the administration of the drug should be well controlled. Investigating the antiviral prophylactic potency of favipiravir and search for its pro-drugs and/or analogs showing improved activity and/or safety are critical.

Automated summary

Favipiravir has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against single-stranded RNA viruses, good tolerability in humans, and a high barrier to resistance. However, high doses are required for efficient antiviral activity, it is teratogenic in pregnant women and associated with hyperuricemia, so drug administration should be carefully controlled. Investigating Favipiravir's antiviral prophylactic potency and searching for pro-drugs or analogs with improved activity and safety are crucial.