MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Dr. Reddy’s has filed an application  for Reeqonus (favipiravir) tablets for acute treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 adult patients under Health Canada’s Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19. Reeqonus is also known as Avigan, which was developed by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Canada Inc. is working with partners Appili Therapeutics and Global Response Aid  (GRA) to be the first in Canada to file an application for oral solid tablets for COVID-19 treatment under the interim order. “Dr.  Reddy’s is working closely with Health Canada for an expedited review of the drug application, as speed to market is essential in these unprecedented times,”  says Vinod Ramachandran, the company’s vice president and general manager. “If approved, we look forward to launching this important product soon to benefit the lives and health of COVID-19 patients in Canada.”

“Reaching patients early in the infection to prevent possible progression into more serious forms of this disease remains a critical unmet need in the COVID-19 treatment landscape,” says Dr. Armand Balboni, chief executive officer of Appili. “Our role remains to design rigorous trials to obtain the data that identify COVID-19 patients that may benefit from Reeqonus. We look forward to working with our partners in providing information to Health Canada with the goal of advancing this important innovation for patients.”

“Our outreach to Canada is a part of our global efforts to play an active role in addressing the COVID-19 situation. The filing is a testimony to our commitment of bringing a potential solution to COVID-19 for the Canadian population,” says Mitch Wilson, CEO of GRA.

Canada’s minister of health signed the interim order in September to create a new authorization pathway that will help expedite the authorization of drugs and vaccines for COVID-19. According to Health Canada, Reeqonus is the first oral solid dosage form submitted under the order.