What is "umifenovir"

Umifenovir (trade name , ) is an antiviral treatment for influenza infection used in Russia and China. The drug is manufactured by Pharmstandard and since 2005 it has been the number one best-selling over-the-counter drug in Russia. Although some Russian studies have shown it to be effective, it is not approved for use in Western countries. Chemically, umifenovir features an indole core, functionalized at all but one positions with different substituents. The drug inhibits viral entry into target cells and also stimulates the immune response.

Umifenovir is manufactured and made available as both tablets and capsules.