Merck, SBR00081-10MG, Favipiravir

General description
Favipiravir is a pyrazinecarboxamide derivative which is an RNA polymerase inhibitors. Favipiravir is converted to the ribofuranosyltriphosphate derivative by host enzymes and selectively inhibits the influenza viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Favipiravir has broad-spectrum activity against RNA viruses, including influenza viruses, arena viruses, bunyaviruses, and flaviviruses.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Favipiravir inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of RNA viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity leads to the disruption of viral RNA replication and ultimately, the reduction of viral load.