An experimental new study has recently tested the efficacy of favipiravir (Avigan) for treating COVID-19
1 Apr, 2020
Is the anti-flu drug Avigan effective in treating Covid-19? Lately, there has been a lot of media speculations around the Japanese favipiravir and its effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. Chinese officials announced in a press conference that the drug could effectively treat this virus. A clinical trial from Chinese experts proving its validity has become available, but the results should be interpreted with caution.
The open-label non-randomized control study proves that from the patients in the study, those who took favipiravir cleared the virus in an average of 4 days. Those in the control group cleared it in 11 days. Although the results are encouraging, it is important to doubt about the findings because of the lack of randomization, the difference in severity of the disease, the difference in age and the lack of blinding of outcomes.