Fipravirimat

Fipravirimat

Fipravirimat (also known as T-705 or favipiravir) is an antiviral drug that has been developed and manufactured by Toyama Chemical of Japan with activity against many RNA viruses. Its antiviral effect is based on the inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an enzyme necessary for the replication of these viruses.

History

Fipravirimat was developed by Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd. in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was initially developed as a potential treatment for influenza, but its broad-spectrum antiviral activity was soon recognized.

Mechanism of Action

Fipravirimat is a prodrug that is metabolized into its active form, favipiravir-ribofuranosyl-5'-triphosphate (RTP). This active form mimics the natural substrate of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, effectively inhibiting the enzyme and halting viral replication.

Clinical Use

Fipravirimat has been used in the treatment of life-threatening infections such as Ebola and H1N1 influenza. It is also being studied for use in the treatment of other RNA virus infections, including Norovirus, Enterovirus, and Zika virus.

Safety and Side Effects

The most common side effects of fipravirimat include nausea, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions and changes in heart rhythm.

See Also

• Antiviral drug
• RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
• Ebola virus disease
• Influenza A virus subtype H1N1