Russia 'Freely' Distributes COVID-19 Antiviral For Outpatient Use

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the ChemRar group of companies announced on November 6, 2020, a permit was granted for the 'outpatient use' of the first Russian antiviral drug, Avifavir, which will be provided to patients free of charge. Avifavir has already been delivered to 15 countries around the world.

To meet the expected demand for Avifavir, these companies are doubling the capacity to produce 200,000 packs per month. Since June 2020, more than 60,000 packages of Avifavir were delivered to hospitals in 74 regions of the Russian Federation.

Avifavir is the world's first drug with the active ingredient favipiravir, registered for the treatment of new coronavirus infection. The effectiveness of antiviral drugs with favipiravir has been proven in (3) independent clinical studies in Russia with the participation of more than 700 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, as well as studies in Japan and other countries.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF, noted in a media statement: “Obtaining a permanent registration certificate for the drug Avivavir opens up an opportunity for its outpatient use within the framework of the Russian Government's order, which, in turn, will help reduce the burden on medical institutions in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.'