Researchers of the Institute of Chemistry under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, who have successfully shortened the synthesis of a Covid-19 antiviral - PHOTO: VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HCMC - The Institute of Chemistry under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has successfully shortened the synthesis of a Covid-19 antiviral, called Favipiravir, from seven or eight to three reactions, allowing the institute to accelerate the drug production when it comes to commercialization.

Researchers of the Institute of Chemistry have used local materials, thus reducing the cost of the antiviral and ensuring it is suited for local production, the local media reported.

They began their research in August last year with an aim to reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines.

In the coming periods, they will continue improving the synthesis, scale it up and apply for a patent, said Nguyen Van Tuyen, director of the Institute of Chemistry.

Favipiravil's mechanism is similar to that of Remdesivir, another coronavirus antiviral firstly used in China and then allowed in Japan, Russia and some other countries.

Favipiravil is now in its third phase of a trial on 300-3,000 people in some countries and has proved to be 97% effective.

The antiviral can be used for mild and moderate Covid-19 patients to help them recover faster and from getting worse. It also helps make the virus inactive to limit community transmission.