NEW DELHI:

The Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) on Friday approved the emergency use of Zydus Cadila's 'Virafin', Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b (PegIFN) for treating moderate COVID-19 infections in adults.

"A single-dose subcutaneous regimen of the antiviral Virafin will make the treatment more convenient for the patients. When administered early on during COVID-19, Virafin will help patients recover faster and avoid much of the complications," the company said.

In a release, Cadila also highlighted that "the drug has also shown efficacy against other viral infections."

Speaking on the development, Managing Director of Cadila Healthcare Limited, Dr Sharvil Patel said, "The fact that we are able to offer a therapy which significantly reduces the viral load when given early on can help in better health management. It comes at a much needed time for patients and we will continue to provide them access to critical therapies in the battle against COVID-19."

The development and the nod from DGCI come at a time when India is combating the second wave of the COVID-19.

On Friday, India recorded 3,32,730 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year.

Given the enormous jump, the government has also decided to administer COVID-19 vaccines to everyone above the age of 18 from May 1.

TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp: CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone.

ALSO READ: Centre seeks IAF's intervention in COVID-19 relief operations