Bal Pharma stock hits upper circuit on affordable Favipiravir launch

New Delhi: Bal Pharma shares surged as much as 5 per cent on early trade during Tuesday as the company launched antiviral drug Favipiravir in the domestic market for the treatment of Covid-19.

The scrip hit upper circuit of 5 per cent to Rs 98.40 on Tuesday. The counter was settled at Rs 93.75 in the previous session. BSE Sensex was trading 148.79 points or 0.29 per cent up at 50,800.69.

The company has launched the Favipiravir under the brand name BALflu. The Bengaluru-based company said its formulation would be available in tablet form with 400 mg strength.

Favipiravir is being used for patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 infection as it inhibits and terminates viral protein synthesis and induces lethal metagenesis of influenza virus.

The company's product is approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for emergency use for the treatment of Covid-19 with an recommended dosage of 1,800 mg on the first day, followed by 800 mg from day 2 to 14, it added.

BALflu is made available across all the major markets in India as a prescription drug. The company will market the medicine at a very affordable price of Rs 85 per tablet so as to enable the needy patients to access this drug on time, according to the drug maker.