University of Hyderabad startup develops tech for Favipiravir

HYDERABAD: University of Hyderabad incubated startup, Aptus Therapeutics has developed novel and innovative methods for manufacturing of Favipiravir, the antiviral drug which is being used to combat Covid-19.
Incubated at ASPIRE-TBI, the firm focuses on Synthetic Chemistry and Chemo Enzymatic Chemistry. The developed synthetic process technology is very cost-effective and eco-friendly which uses fewer solvents and easy to isolate the target molecule in large quantities.“The process developed by us is based on green chemistry where we reduce and reuse the solvents and avoid corrosive solvents that cause environmental hazard. We will avoid the expensive and hazardous chemicals and use enzymes instead of chemicals,” said Koti Reddy, founder, Aptus Therapeutics.
The firm has developed and validated the technology for commercial bulk production. To achieve this, it has associated with Fleming Laboratories, Hyderabad for bulk production and currently has made an agreement with a Russian firm to supply in large quantities.
Dr Prakash from Fleming Laboratories and Dr Koti Reddy from Aptus Therapeutics exchanged a memorandum of understanding in the presence of professor Appa Rao Podile, vice chancellor, UoH. As per the university, the expected turnover of these technologies is over Rs 50 crore. Aptus has also developed another therapeutic molecule ‘’FL-09’’, cholesterol-lowering drug-using green chemistry methodologies.