Comment on: Favipiravir, an antiviral for COVID-19?

Abstract

We have read with interest the letter by Coomes and Haghbayan, which presents favipiravir as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The authors, based on the results of in vitro studies and benefit shown in a clinical trial of this drug, state that there is an urgent need for more clinical studies of favipiravir. However, the authors only praise the results of the clinical trial of favipiravir, but they do not give information about the methodological flaws of the study. In our opinion, it is important to present the strengths and limitations of the body of evidence to readers. That is why in this letter we present some methodological aspects of this clinical trial that should be considered when interpreting the results...