Dr. Reddy’s files application for Reeqonus tablets to treat COVID-19 in Canada

Dr. Reddy’s, alongside Global Response Aid and Appili Therapeutics, has filed an application on behalf of Reeqonus (favipiravir) tablets in Canada.

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

The companies have filed a motion for the tablets to be used for the acute treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adult patients under Health Canada’s Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19.

“We are pleased to work with our partners at GRA and Appili to be the first in Canada to file an application for oral solid tablets for COVID-19 treatment under Health Canada’s Interim Order,” Vinod Ramachandran, vice president and general manager of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Canada, said. “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. If approved, we look forward to launching this important product soon to benefit the lives and health of COVID-19 patients in Canada.”

Reeqonus, also known as Avigan, is developed by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical.

“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,” said Dr. Armand Balboni, CEO of Appili Therapeutics. “Our role remains to design rigorous trials to obtain the data that identify COVID-19 patients that may benefit from REEQONUSTM. We look forward to working with our partners in providing information to Health Canada with the goal of advancing this important innovation for patients.”