Post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19: results of double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study evaluation of efficacy and safety of double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an RNA double-stranded sodium salt drug, a lyophilisate for a solution preparation for an intramuscular and subcutaneous administration, as a means of post-exposure COVID-19 prophylaxis in comparison with placebo.Material and methods. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, randomized phase III clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug (RADAM IN (R) VIRO), a lyophilisate for preparing a solution for intramuscular and subcutaneous administration as a means of post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19. The study was conducted in 10 research centers in the Russian Federation from May 31, 2022 to January 17, 2023. The study included men and women aged =18 years who cohabitate with a person with a documented COVID-19 diagnosis and do not have symptoms characteristic of COVID-19. At the randomization stage, the subjects were assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (n=400) received a study drug RADAM IN (R) VIRO 5 mg (1 vial) intramuscularly once a day;group 2 (n=400) received placebo 1 vial intramuscularly once a day. The total duration of the study for each subject was no more than 30 days.Results. By day 10-11, in the double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug group, the proportion of the subjects with confirmed COVID-19 and at least 1 symptom characteristic of COVID-19 was 5.76% (23/399), and in the placebo group - 11.03% (44/399). The difference in proportions between the study drug and placebo groups was 0.0526 (5.26%), the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in proportions between the groups was [0.0123;0.0937]). More than 94% of single-dose subjects did not become infected with COVID-19 with any symptoms during the 11 days of the follow-up. As a result of a comparative analysis, it was shown that the infection frequency in the study drug group was statistically significantly (almost twice) less than in the comparison group, which indicates a high efficiency and expediency of using the double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug as a means of the post-exposure COVID-19 prophylaxis.Conclusion. Thus, regardless of the vaccination availability, the effectiveness and feasibility of using the study double -stranded sodium salt RNA drug as a means of the post-exposure COVID-19 prophylaxis was demonstrated not only in medical institutions (outpatient clinics and hospitals), but also in caregivers and/or the persons in contact with COVID-19 patients. The situation was the same in the organizations and enterprises in case of evolution of a mass infection threat and the availability of appropriate medical personnels.

[Prospects and possibilities for the treatment of patients with long COVID-19 syndrome].

AIM: To study the efficacy and safety of a drug product based on the succinic acid complex with trimethylhydrazine used to treat patients with asthenic syndrome after a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of sequential therapy with Brainmax® enrolled 160 patients 12-16 weeks after coronavirus infection (no more than 12 months). The study was conducted at 6 healthcare centers in different regions of the Russian Federation. At the enrollment, clinical and neurological examination and the following tests were performed: complete blood count, urinalysis, blood chemistry, coagulation test, pulse oximetry, electrocardiography, glomerular filtration rate calculation (according to Cockcroft-Gault formula) were performed. Also, the patients were assessed using the following tools: VAS headache rating scale, MFI-20 asthenia scale, PSQI index, FAS-10 fatigue assessment scale, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), MoCA-test for cognitive impairment assessment, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Kérdö Autonomic Index. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was the mean reduction in the MFI-20 asthenia scale score after the therapy (Visit 5, 41st day of therapy) compared to data from Visit 0 (beginning of therapy). A clinically significant advantage of the study drug versus the placebo was demonstrated, with a median absolute change in the MFI-20 score of -19.5 [-27; -11] points in the Brainmax® drug group and -3 [-7; 1] score in the placebo group (p<0.001). A significant sleep quality improvement according to the PSQI index was shown in the study group: by -2.5 [-4; -1] points versus no improvement in the placebo group (0 [-3; 0], p<0,001). Significant differences were also noted for the following secondary endpoints: PSQI sleep quality scale, FAS-10 fatigue assessment scale, DHI, and Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory. There was also a decrease in patients' complaints of cognitive deterioration according to the CGI scale. CONCLUSION: Our study clearly demonstrated the efficacy and high safety profile of Brainmax® in a representative sample of patients with the post-COVID syndrome.

Modern Directed Antiviral Covid-19 Therapy: Results of Multicenter Clinical Effectiveness and Safety Study of Fixed Nirmatrelvir+Ritonavir Combination

The article presents the data from an open, two-stage, multicenter study on the efficacy and safety evaluation of a combined drug (a fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg, and ritonavir 100 mg) in the complex therapy in COVID-19 patients. The aim of the study was to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters of the fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg in healthy volunteers, the efficacy and safety assessment of the drug in the combination therapy compared with the standard therapy in COVID-19 patients. Material and methods. An open two-stage multicenter clinical study to assess the main pharmacokinetic parameters, safety, and efficacy against COVID-19 of the drug nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg combination (Skyvira((R)) PROMOMED RUS LLC, Russia) in the adult population, included 2 stages. At stage 1, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in healthy volunteers (over 18 years of age) in order to confirm their comparability with the literature data known for a set of active substances. Phase 2 assessed efficacy and safety in COVID-19 patients. As a part of the second stage, the study involved 264 patients (men and women aged 18 to 80 years), who had been divided into two groups. The first group patients (n=132) received the study drugs (nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg) - 1 tablet twice a day with an interval of 12 +/- 2 hours for 5 days in combination with pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. The second group patients (n=132) received standard therapy in accordance with the approved Temporary Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Infection (Version 15 dated February 22, 2022). Results. During the study, none of the patients from the (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) group experienced a transition of the COVID-19 course to a heavier severity level, in contrast to the patients in the standard therapy group. The study participants included patients with comorbidities (68% of the general population), with risk factors for COVID-19 progression to a heavier severity level and the risk of hospitalization (75% of the general population). There were no cases of COVID-19 progression to a heavier severity level in the study drug group. By the 6th day, in the nirmatrelvir + ritonavir group, the proportion of the patients who had achieved a complete recovery was twice more and amounted to 35.61% (p=0.0001), and the proportion of the patients with a negative RNA analysis to SARS-CoV-2 was 20% higher than in the comparison group, and amounted to 82.58% (p=0.0001). The fixed nirmatrelvir + ritonavir combination therapy has a favorable safety profile comparable to the standard therapy. The identified adverse reactions were transient in nature and did not require discontinuation of therapy or changes in the treatment regimen. Conclusion. The fixed nirmatrelvir + ritonavir combination has a favorable safety profile in COVID-19 patients, comparable to the standard therapy. The data obtained demonstrate a clinical and pharmacoeconomic feasibility of including the fixed (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) combination in the COVID-19 treatment regimen.

FAVIPIRAVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF MILD CORONAVIRUS INFECTION: RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER OPEN-LABEL, POST-REGISTRATION, NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDY.

Clinical parameters characterizing the efficacy and safety of favipiravir were examined in a multicenter, non-interventional (before-and-after study design) trial in 264 patients with mild COVID-19. It is shown that on the background of 14-day therapy with favipiravir body temperature normalized, blood oxygen saturation improved, and the frequency of tachycardia detection reduced by 16% (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant decrease by 91,3% (p 0.0001) in the frequency of SARS-nCoV-2 RNA detection in the nasopharyngeal mucosa discharge was revealed. A decrease in the concentration of ferritin (by 69% compared to initial values), blood glucose (by 21%), creatinine (by 10%), C-reactive protein (by 36%) (p 0.0001), and D-dimer by 61% (p = 0.016) was noted. The results of the SF-36 health survey questionnaire revealed a significant (p 0.05) improvement in the quality of life in terms of physical functioning (by 35%), and role functioning associated with physical and emotional state by 107% and 160%, respectively. Analysis of the COV19-QoL questionnaire revealed a decrease by 24% in negative perception of the disease (p < 0,01). Among the identified adverse events, elevated level of ALT (in 39.47% of patients), hyperuricemia (in 28.95% of patients), and elevated AST (in 23.68% of patients) prevailed. All the adverse events occurred with mild or moderate severity. There were no lethal outcomes in the studied sample of patients. The analysis showed a satisfactory level of the tolerability of the treatment.Copyright © 2023 Izdatel'stvo Meditsina. All rights reserved.

FAVIPIRAVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF MILD CORONAVIRUS INFECTION: RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER OPEN-LABEL, POST-REGISTRATION, NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDY.

Clinical parameters characterizing the efficacy and safety of favipiravir were examined in a multicenter, non-interventional (before-and-after study design) trial in 264 patients with mild COVID-19. It is shown that on the background of 14-day therapy with favipiravir body temperature normalized, blood oxygen saturation improved, and the frequency of tachycardia detection reduced by 16% (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant decrease by 91,3% (p 0.0001) in the frequency of SARS-nCoV-2 RNA detection in the nasopharyngeal mucosa discharge was revealed. A decrease in the concentration of ferritin (by 69% compared to initial values), blood glucose (by 21%), creatinine (by 10%), C-reactive protein (by 36%) (p 0.0001), and D-dimer by 61% (p = 0.016) was noted. The results of the SF-36 health survey questionnaire revealed a significant (p 0.05) improvement in the quality of life in terms of physical functioning (by 35%), and role functioning associated with physical and emotional state by 107% and 160%, respectively. Analysis of the COV19-QoL questionnaire revealed a decrease by 24% in negative perception of the disease (p < 0,01). Among the identified adverse events, elevated level of ALT (in 39.47% of patients), hyperuricemia (in 28.95% of patients), and elevated AST (in 23.68% of patients) prevailed. All the adverse events occurred with mild or moderate severity. There were no lethal outcomes in the studied sample of patients. The analysis showed a satisfactory level of the tolerability of the treatment.Copyright © 2023 Izdatel'stvo Meditsina. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous Determination of Major Molnupiravir Metabolite (β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine) and Favipiravir in Human Plasma by HPLC-MS/MS

Introduction. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2). COVID-19 is now expected to stay with us for many years as a recurring disease. Molnupiravir and favipiravir are oral antiviral drugs with anti-RNA polymerase activity. The Russian Health Ministry has approved molnupiravir and favipiravir for the treatment of COVID-19. The study describes development and validation of high-performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of β-D-N4-Hydroxycytidine and favipiravir in human blood plasma. The method could be applied in pharmacokinetic study of molnupiravir and favipiravir. Aim. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a HPLC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for the determination of β-D-N4-Hydroxycytidine and favipiravir in human plasma. Materials and methods. The determination of β-D-N4-Hydroxycytidine and favipiravir in human plasma by HPLC-MS/MS. The samples were processed by 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile. Internal standard: promethazine. Mobile phase: 0.01 mol/L Ammonium formate buffer solution (Eluent A), 0.1 % formic acid and 0.08 % aqueous ammonia in water/acetonitrile 10: 90 (Eluent B). Column: Shim-pack GWS C18, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm. Analytical range: 50.00–10000.00 ng/mL for β-D-N4-Hydroxycytidine, 250.00–20000.00 ng/mL for favipiravir in human plasma. Ionization source: electrospray ionization. Detection conditions: 260.00 m/z → 82.10 m/z, 260.00 m/z → 111.00 m/z, 260.00 m/z → 127.95 m/z (β-D-N4-Hydroxycytidine);156.15 m/z → 65.95 m/z, 156.15 m/z → 85.00 m/z, 156.15 m/z → 113.10 m/z (favipiravir);285.05 m/z → 198.05 m/z (promethazine). Results and discussion. This method was validated by selectivity, suitability of reference standard, matrix effect, calibration curve, accuracy, precision, spike recovery, the lower limit of quantification, carry-over effect and stability. Conclusion. The HPLC-MS/MS method for quantitative determination of β-D-N4-Hydroxycytidine and favipiravir in human plasma was developed and validated. The analytical range was 50.00–10000.00 ng/mL for β-D-N4-Hydroxycytidine, 250.00–20000.00 ng/mL for favipiravir in human plasma. This method was applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of molnupiravir and favipiravir. © Komarov T. N., Karnakova P. K., Archakova O. A., Shchelgacheva D. S., Bagaeva N. S., Shohin I. E., Zaslavskaya K. Ya., Bely P. A., 2023.

Efficacy and Safety of Original Drug Based on Hexapeptide Succinate in Complex Covid-19 Therapy in Adults Hospitalized Patients

Currently, there are data that that make it possible to speak about a high clinical efficacy of the use of succinic salt of tyrosylD-alanyl-glycyl-phenylalanyl-leucyl-arginine (hexapeptide succinate) for the COVID-19 treatment. This article is devoted to the results of clinical trials of the original Russian drug based on it. The aim of the study was to evaluate a clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of intramuscular and inhalation use of hexapeptide succinate in complex therapy in comparison with standard therapy in patients with moderate COVID-19. Materials and methods. The research was conducted from February 28, 2022 to November 22, 2022 based on 10 research centers in the Russian Federation. The study included hospitalized patients (n=312) over 18 years of age with moderate COVID-19 who had undergone a screening procedure and were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 received standard therapy in accordance with the Interim Guidelines in force at the time of the study, within 10 days;group 2 received hexapeptide succinate (Ambervin Pulmo) intramuscularly at the dose of 1 mg once a day for 10 days;group 3 received hexapeptide succinate (Ambervin Pulmo) 10 mg once a day by inhalation for 10 days. Results. According to the results of the study, therapy with the drug hexapeptide succinate, both intramuscular and inhaled, provided an acceleration of recovery up to the complete absence of the disease signs in more than 80% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. By the end of the therapy course with the drug, more than 60% of patients had met the criteria for discharge from hospital and could continue the treatment on an outpatient basis. About 70% of patients in the inhalation group and 80% in the intramuscular hexapeptide succinate injection group had concomitant diseases (hypertension - 28%, obesity - 14%), which indicates the effectiveness of this drug use in comorbid patients. The use of the drug contributed to the restoration of damaged lung tissues, normalization of oxygenation, the disappearance of shortness of breath and a decrease in the duration of the disease symptoms compared with standard therapy. As a result of a comparative analysis of adverse events in terms of their presence, severity, causal relationship with the therapy and outcome, there were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups. Conclusion. Thus, the results of the clinical study of the succinate hexapeptide efficacy and safety showed the feasibility of using the drug in pathogenetic therapy COVID-19 regimens.Copyright © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.

Current Aspects of Etiotropic Covid-19 Therapy

Since the beginning of the pandemic, repeated attempts have been made to develop etiotropic therapy for a novel coronavirus infection. Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, etc. derivatives were used as antiviral agents, however, they demonstrated a low efficiency and an insufficient safety. In this connection, other groups of drugs with a more effective and safe pharmacological profile are currently being actively used. The aim of the study was to analyze the literature references on the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs for the COVID-19 treatment.Materials and methods. When searching for the materials for the review article writing, such databases as PubMed, Google Scholar, e-Library were used. The search was carried out on publications for the period from January 2020 to September 2022. The key queries were: COVID-19, etiotropic therapy;immunological drugs;antiviral drugs;interferons.Results. Currently, there are various degrees of effective etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The review has considered a few groups of drugs that are of interest from the point of view of etiotropic therapy: immunological drugs (anticovid plasma, the drugs based on antiviral antibodies, the drugs of recombinant interferons-alpha 2 and-beta 1, as well as interferon inducers, i.e., the drugs based on double-stranded RNA sodium salt, and others);drugs that block the penetration of the virus into the cell (umifenovir);the drugs that disrupt the process of the viral replication (favipiravir, remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir).Conclusion. Synthetic antivirals, in particular favipiravir, molnupiravir, remdesivir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, have the largest evidence base for their efficacy and safety. The search for new effective and safe etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, as well as the collection and analysis of post-registration data on the drugs already used in clinical practice, continues.

Current Aspects of Etiotropic Covid-19 Therapy

Since the beginning of the pandemic, repeated attempts have been made to develop etiotropic therapy for a novel coronavirus infection. Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, etc. derivatives were used as antiviral agents, however, they demonstrated a low efficiency and an insufficient safety. In this connection, other groups of drugs with a more effective and safe pharmacological profile are currently being actively used. The aim of the study was to analyze the literature references on the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs for the COVID-19 treatment. Materials and methods. When searching for the materials for the review article writing, such databases as PubMed, Google Scholar, e-Library were used. The search was carried out on publications for the period from January 2020 to September 2022. The key queries were: COVID-19, etiotropic therapy;immunological drugs;antiviral drugs;interferons. Results. Currently, there are various degrees of effective etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The review has considered a few groups of drugs that are of interest from the point of view of etiotropic therapy: immunological drugs (anticovid plasma, the drugs based on antiviral antibodies, the drugs of recombinant interferons-alpha2 and -beta1, as well as interferon inducers, i.e., the drugs based on double-stranded RNA sodium salt, and others);drugs that block the penetration of the virus into the cell (umifenovir);the drugs that disrupt the process of the viral replication (favipiravir, remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir). Conclusion. Synthetic antivirals, in particular favipiravir, molnupiravir, remdesivir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, have the largest evidence base for their efficacy and safety. The search for new effective and safe etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, as well as the collection and analysis of post-registration data on the drugs already used in clinical practice, continues. Copyright © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.

Modern Directed Antiviral Covid-19 Therapy: Results of Multicenter Clinical Effectiveness and Safety Study of Fixed Nirmatrelvir+Ritonavir Combination

The article presents the data from an open, two-stage, multicenter study on the efficacy and safety evaluation of a combined drug (a fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg) in the complex therapy in COVID-19 patients. The aim of the study was to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters of the fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg in healthy volunteers, the efficacy and safety assessment of the drug in the combination therapy compared with the standard therapy in COVID-19 patients. Material and methods. An open two-stage multicenter clinical study to assess the main pharmacokinetic parameters, safety, and efficacy against COVID-19 of the drug nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg combination (Skyvira PROMOMED RUS LLC, Russia) in the adult population, included 2 stages. At stage 1, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in healthy volunteers (over 18 years of age) in order to confirm their comparability with the literature data known for a set of active substances. Phase 2 assessed efficacy and safety in COVID-19 patients. As a part of the second stage, the study involved 264 patients (men and women aged 18 to 80 years), who had been divided into two groups. The first group patients (n=132) received the study drugs (nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg) - 1 tablet twice a day with an interval of 12+/-2 hours for 5 days in combination with pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. The second group patients (n=132) received standard therapy in accordance with the approved Temporary Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Infection (Version 15 dated February 22, 2022). Results. During the study, none of the patients from the (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) group experienced a transition of the COVID-19 course to a heavier severity level, in contrast to the patients in the standard therapy group. The study participants included patients with comorbidities (68% of the general population), with risk factors for COVID-19 progression to a heavier severity level and the risk of hospitalization (75% of the general population). There were no cases of COVID-19 progression Copyright © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.

Development and Validation of HPLC-UV Method for the Determination of Favipiravir in Human Plasma

Introduction. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2). Favipiravir is a synthetic prodrug with antiviral activity used for the treatment of COVID-19. There are oral and parenteral dosage forms of favipiravir. Compared with oral administration, parenteral administration has some advantages. Developing a method for the determination of favipiravir in human blood plasma is necessary for performing the analytical part of clinical studies of favipiravir for parenteral administration as an infusion, studying pharmacokinetics, and choosing the optimal dosage of the drug. Aim. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a method for quantitative determination of favipiravir in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) for pharmacokinetic studies. Materials and methods. Determination of favipiravir in human plasma by HPLC-UV. The UV detection was set at 323 ± 2 nm. The samples were processed by methanol protein precipitation. Internal standard: raltegravir. Mobile phase: 0.1 % formic acid in water with 0.08 % aqueous ammonia (eluent A), 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile with 0.08 % aqueous ammonia (eluent B). Column: Phenomenex Kinetex®, C18, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm. Analytical range: 0.25–200.00 μg/mL. Results and discussion. This method was validated by selectivity, calibration curve, accuracy, precision, spike recovery, the lower limit of quantification, carry-over effect and stability. Conclusion. We developed and validated the method of quantitative determination of favipiravir in human plasma by HPLC-UV. The analytical range was 0.25–200.00 μg/mL in human plasma. The method could be applied in pharmacokinetics studies of favipiravir. © Komarov T. N., Karnakova P. K., Archakova O. A., Shchelgacheva D. S., Bagaeva N. S., Shohin I. E., Zaslavskaya K. Ya., Bely P. A., 2022.

STUDY OF LONG-TERM CLINICAL AND PATHOGENETIC EFFECTS OF FAVIPIRAVIR-BASED ANTI-VIRAL DRUG IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME IN POST-COVID PERIOD

The article presents modern scientific data on long-term clinical and pathogenetic effects of the antiviral drug Areplivir (Favipiravir) in patients with metabolic syndrome in the post-COVID period. The aim of the article is to study long-term cytokine-mediated (IL-6/sIL6r and LIF/sLIFr) pathogenetic effects of the favipiravir (Areplivir®) based drug on the incidence of complications in patients with metabolic syndrome in the post-COVID period. Material and methods. With the approval of the local ethics committee at the N.P. Ogarevs Mordovia State University (Protocol No. 5 dated May 17, 2020) “An open prospective comparative study of the Areplivir® (Favipiravir) drug effectiveness in reducing the risk of complications in the post-COVID period in patients with metabolic syndrome” in the Republic of Mordovia was carried out. The study included 190 metabolic syndrome patients who received the outpatient treatment for COVID-19 at Saransk polyclinics from February 2021 to March 2021. The case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in accordance with the current Temporary Guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the new coronavirus infection. Results. The analysis of the metabolic syndrome patients' follow-up within 1 year after undergoing COVID-19, revealed significant differences in the incidence of complications depending on the intake of the favipiravir based drug. The patients who were administrated with favipiravir at the early stage of infection, were characterized by lower serum levels of four members of the interleukin 6 family - IL-6 (IL-6, sIL6r and LIF, sLIFr) 10, 30 and 180 days after a clinical and laboratory recovery (p<0.001). The average statistical changes in the IL-6/sIL6r system of the group administrated with favipiravir, were 90%, and they were higher than in the group not administrated with antiviral drugs. In the group of the patients administrated with favipiravir, there was a significant (p<0.001) positive dynamic of the sLIFr indicator, while in the comparison group, there was an increase in this indicator. A protective effect of the early favipiravir use was characterized by a decrease in the frequency of cardiovascular complications, a 2.66-fold decrease in the risk of a stroke and the ACS in the post-COVID period. Conclusion. The areplivir therapy in the acute period of coronavirus infection made it possible to timely reduce the viral load. It helps to correct the pro-inflammatory vector of the immune response at the post-COVID stage and, accordingly, reduces the risk of progression of atherosclerosis, transient cerebrovascular accidents with a cognitive decline, an endothelial dysfunction, and can be considered a secondary prevention of life-threatening cardiovascular complications. © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.