Favipiravir (T-705), a broad spectrum inhibitor of viral RNA polymerase

Favipiravir (T-705; 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide) is an anti-viral agent that selectively and potently inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RNA viruses. Favipiravir was discovered through screening chemical library for anti-viral activity against the influenza virus by Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd. Favipiravir undergoes an intracellular phosphoribosylation to be an active form, favipiravir-RTP (favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5'-triphosphate), which is recognized as a substrate by RdRp, and inhibits the RNA polymerase activity. Since the catalytic domain of RdRp is conserved among various types of RNA viruses, this mechanism of action underpins a broader spectrum of anti-viral activities of…

• FC
  Fujifilm Corporation
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: U54 AI-065357, HHSN272201000039I, HHSN272201100019I
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Awards: NO1-AI-30048, HHSN272201000039I, AI-065357, HHSN272201100019I