Esperavir® from PROMMED is approved for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections

February 9th

The biopharmaceutical company PROMOMED has announced the expansion of therapeutic possibilities for the use of Esperavir® (INN molnupiravir). The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has approved indications for the use of the drug for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). This decision is based on the results of a large-scale clinical trial led by Oksana Drapkina, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chief Freelance Specialist in Therapy and General Medical Practice at the Russian Ministry of Health.

The effectiveness of Esperavir® has been unequivocally proven against most pathogens of colds, influenza viruses of any type and any strain of SARS-CoV-2. The introduction of the drug into a wide range of medical practice allows doctors to act as quickly as possible, prescribing etiotropic therapy immediately after the diagnosis of a viral cold in a patient, while blocking a wide range of pathogens, which is necessary to accelerate recovery and prevent the development of complications.

In clinical practice, doctors often encounter mixed infections, and prolonged diagnosis with the identification of a specific pathogen can lead to loss of time and serious consequences. Antiviral therapy is most effective in the first 48 hours after the onset of the disease, and this is what is indicated in current clinical guidelines. Therefore, a drug that can be used without waiting for diagnostic results is an important tool in the fight against diseases, including those causing pandemics.

The effectiveness of Esperavir® is based on its original mechanism of action aimed at disrupting the enzyme that is responsible for the reproduction of any RNA virus: coronavirus, rotavirus, influenza viruses, parainfluenza, etc., and even measles and encephalitis. The effect of the drug disrupts the process of copying viral material and leads to the destruction of viral particles. It is very important that there is no such enzyme in human cells, so the drug kills only infected cells. This mechanism provides activity against the influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory RNA viruses — the main causative agents of acute respiratory viral infections, as well as acceleration of recovery and reduction of the risk of complications, which is confirmed by clinical studies completed by the Company in 2025[1].

"The key advantage of the new status of Esperavir® is the possibility of its early administration. The doctor may recommend therapy already at the first symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections, which is critically important to reduce the viral load, shorten the duration of the disease and minimize the risk of complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is especially true for patients at risk. For the medical community, this means the emergence of a convenient and effective tool that allows you to quickly return to work and simplifies decision-making during the high-incidence season, reducing the burden on the healthcare system," comments Sergey Trifonov, Executive Director of PROMOMED.

In light of the expanded indications, PROMOMED is also adapting the packaging of the drug for the greater convenience of patients and doctors. From February 2026, Esperavir® 400 mg, previously available only in 20-capsule packages, will be available in a new 10—capsule format. This will allow for a more flexible approach to prescribing therapy in different clinical situations.

The versatility of the drug opens up not only new clinical, but also market prospects for it. The new indications will become a natural basis for strengthening the market position of the drug, allowing the drug to occupy a stable position in a wider segment of antiviral drugs for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.

The expansion of indications for Esperavir® is a timely and important step in the evolution of the drug, which meets the global demand for effective and affordable solutions in the midst of the winter epidemic of viral infections.[2]

1. Molnupiravir in the treatment of patients with influenza or acute respiratory viral infections: a multicenter comparative randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Pharmacy & Pharmacology. 2025;13(4):297-315. https://doi.org/10.19163/2307-9266-202
2. - This drug is a prescription drug and should only be purchased as prescribed by a doctor. The drug has contraindications. Please read the instructions for use. Do not use the drug if it has not been prescribed to you in