# Avigan > antiviral pharmaceutical drug aimed towards treating influenza **Wikidata**: [Q100144528](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100144528) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/avigan ## Summary Avigan is an antiviral pharmaceutical drug developed in Japan, primarily used for treating influenza. Its active ingredient, favipiravir, inhibits viral replication, and it is administered orally. The drug is manufactured by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical and was first approved for use by Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in 2014. ## Key Facts - **Drug Class**: Antiviral pharmaceutical product - **Active Ingredient**: Favipiravir - **Therapeutic Area**: Influenza - **Medical Role**: RNA polymerase inhibitor; antiviral agent - **Administration Route**: Oral administration - **Manufacturer**: Fujifama Toyama Chemical - **Inception**: First developed in 2000; received approval in 2014 - **Medical Condition Treated**: Influen3,4,5-Tetradehydroxyrofluorobutanoate (TDR) is used in the treatment of influenza - **Discovery/Invention**: First developed in 2000 - **Brand Name**: Avigan - **Country of Origin**: Japan - **Regulatory Approval**: First approved in 2014 by Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) - **Defined Daily Dose**: 1200 mg on the first day, followed by 400 mg on subsequent days - **Discovery Entity**: Toyama Chemical (now Fujifilm Toyama Chemical) - **Instance Of**: Pharmaceutical product, brand ## FAQs **What is Avigan used for?** Avigan is used to treat influenza, particularly in cases where standard treatments are ineffective. It has also been explored for use against other RNA virus infections, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. **Who manufactures Avigan?** Avigan is manufactured by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. It was originally developed by Toyama Chemical, which was later acquired by Fujifilm. **How does Avigan work?** Avigan contains favipiravir, an antiviral agent that inhibits RNA polymerase, thereby preventing viral replication. This makes it effective against RNA viruses like influenza. **When was Avigan discovered and approved?** Avigan was first developed in 2000 and received regulatory approval in Japan in 2014. It was later positioned as a candidate for emergency use during viral outbreaks. **What is the dosage regimen for Avigan?** The defined daily dose is 1200 mg on the first day, followed by 400 mg on subsequent days, administered orally. **Is Avigan used for other diseases?** Yes, Avigan has been investigated for use in treating other RNA virus infections, including Ebola and SARS-CoV-2, during public health emergencies. ## Why It Matters Avigan represents a significant advancement in antiviral therapy, particularly for influenza and other RNA virus infections. Its development in Japan and subsequent use in global health emergencies, such as the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, highlight its importance in public health. As a broad-spectrum antiviral, it has shown potential in treating emerging viral threats, making it a strategic asset in pandemic preparedness. Its active ingredient, favipiravir, is also being studied for use in veterinary applications and other antiviral contexts. ## Notable For - Being one of the first antiviral drugs developed specifically for RNA viruses in Japan - Its use in treating emerging viral threats, including Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 - Containing favipiravir, a broad-spectrum RNA polymerase inhibitor - Being positioned as a strategic antiviral in national pandemic preparedness plans - Having a defined daily dose that varies between initial and maintenance phases - Being developed by Toyama Chemical, later acquired by Fujifilm - Receiving regulatory approval in 2014, marking a milestone in antiviral drug development in Japan ## Body ### Definition and Classification Avigan is a pharmaceutical product classified as an antiviral agent, with its active ingredient being favipiravir. It is used primarily for treating RNA-based viral infections, particularly influenza. It is a brand-name drug developed in Japan, with its therapeutic area officially recognized by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in 2014. Structurally, it is categorized as both a pharmaceutical product and a brand. ### Medical and Therapeutic Profile Avigan functions as an antiviral agent by inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a key enzyme in viral replication. This mechanism makes it effective against a range of RNA viruses, including influenza. It is administered orally, with a defined daily dose of 1200 mg on the first day, followed by 400 mg on subsequent days. It is primarily used for treating influenza but has been explored for emergency use in treating other viral infections such as Ebola and SARS-CoV-2. ### Development and Discovery The drug was first developed in 2000 by Toyama Chemical, which later became Fujifilm Toyama Chemical. It was approved for use in Japan in 2014, marking a significant milestone in the country's antiviral drug development. The discovery of favipiravir as the active ingredient was a breakthrough in targeting RNA viruses, and its development was supported by the Japanese government for pandemic preparedness. ### Manufacturer and Regulatory Status Avigan is manufactured by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, a subsidiary of Fujifilm. It received regulatory approval in 2014 from Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). The drug is included in the CAS COVID-19 Anti-Viral Candidate Compounds catalog, reflecting its relevance in global health emergencies. ### Dosage and Administration The defined daily dose for Avigan is 1200 mg on the first day, followed by 400 mg on subsequent days. It is administered orally, making it suitable for outpatient treatment. The dosing regimen is tailored to rapidly reduce viral load in the early stages of infection. ### Global and Strategic Use Avigan has been positioned as a strategic antiviral in national and international pandemic preparedness plans. It was used during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and later explored for use in treating SARS-CoV-2. Its broad-spectrum antiviral properties make it a candidate for emergency stockpiling by health authorities. ### Related Entities and Classifications - **Instance Of**: Pharmaceutical product, brand - **Active Ingredient**: Favipiravir - **Therapeutic Area**: Influenza - **Medical Role**: Antiviral agent, enzyme inhibitor - **Administration Route**: Oral administration - **Country of Origin**: Japan - **Manufacturer**: Fujifilm Toyama Chemical - **Regulatory Body**: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) - **Catalog Inclusion**: CAS COVID-19 Anti-Viral Candidate Compounds ### Historical and Contextual Significance Avigan's development in 2000 and approval in 2014 mark a significant advancement in antiviral therapy in Japan. Its use in global health emergencies underscores its strategic importance. As a broad-spectrum antiviral, it has played a role in shaping national and international pandemic response strategies. ## References 1. [Source](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Flu-fighter-Avigan-gets-coronavirus-call-after-30-years-in-bullpen2)