Biophore seeks DCGI emergency use nod for Aviptadil for treating Covid-19

Aviptadil is a synthetic form of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) that, when administered, results in rapid clinical recovery in patients with severe SARS-COV-2 infection. These observations are based on results of multiple trials of Aviptadil against COVID-19 globally in patients with respiratory failure and the same have been submitted to DCGI for their review.

Dr. Jagadeesh Babu Rangisetty, CEO at Biophore, says, "Biophore has developed this highly complex peptide in a very short period of time, primarily due to the extensive focus of the company in prioritizing COVID related products over the last one year. Aviptadil is a very promising treatment option for COVID, especially in severe hospitalized cases where trials have shown a high recovery percentage and we hope to be able to quickly make it available through this approval."

"The company was one of the first few manufacturers to have received approval for an anti-viral agent, Favipiravir, in India during the first wave and is also the only Indian manufacturer to be producing multi tonnage volumes of Sulfobutyl Ether beta Cyclodextrin (SBECD), which is a key excipient in the manufacturing of Remdesivir Injections, " the company said in a statement.

Apart from these, Biophore has invested significantly into the research and development of other anti-COVID products over the last one year.

Dr. Jagadeesh Babu adds, "While we are optimistic that the pandemic will end soon, we have to be prepared for the exigencies. We need to keep evaluating and adding newer products against this virus to ensure better preparedness by having more options for the treating physicians and thus avoiding shortages. Our aim is also to make the cost of treatment affordable, especially for hospitalized patients."