UoH startup develops new technology to make Favipiravir

Aptus Therapeutics, a start-up at ASPIRE-TBI, University of Hyderabad (UoH) which focuses on Synthetic Chemistry and Chemo Enzymatic Chemistry, has developed novel and innovative methods for manufacturing of Favipiravir, an antiviral drug. Presently the drug is being used in combating COVID-19. The developed synthetic process technology is very cost effective and eco-friendly which uses less solvents and easy to isolate the target molecule in large quantities.

The firm has successfully developed and validated the technology for commercial bulk production. To achieve this Aptus Therapeutics has associated with Fleming Laboratories, Hyderabad for bulk production and currently has made an agreement with a Russian firm to supply in large quantities.

Aptus has also developed another commercially potential natural therapeutic molecule ‘’FL-09’’, Cholesterol Lowering drug using green chemistry methodologies. The start-up developed this technology at ASPIRE-TBI, UoH and it has reached the commercialization stage in the year 2020.

Dr. Prakash from Fleming Laboratories and Dr. Koti Reddy from Aptus Therapeutics exchanged the MoU today in the presence of Prof. Appa Rao Podile, Vice Chancellor, UoH and other officials of the university. The expected turnover of these technologies is over Rs.50/- Crores.

Expressing his happiness at the success of the Aptus Therapeutics, Prof. Appa Rao Podile, Vice Chancellor, UoH said that “It’s a historical moment for University of Hyderabad incubation centre ASPIRE-TBI which has nurtured Aptus Therapeutics in developing technologies for production of Favipiravir, an antiviral drug and ’FL-09’, Cholesterol Lowering drug. The developed process technology is very cost effective, eco-friendly and which is beneficial to all”. “I am sure that many of the start-ups associated at UoH have potential to make it big in future and will benefit the society at large”, he added.

Prof. G.S.Prasad, Director RITE, Prof. Lalitha Guruprasad, Coordinator ASPIRE-TBI, Prof. D. Yogeswara Rao Director ASPIRE, Prof. S. Rajagopal Coordinator ASPIRE-BioNEST, Sri Ashish Jacob Thomas, PRO and staff members of the ASPIRE incubation centres participated in the event.

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