The government plans to recommend the administration of an anti-influenza drug called Avigan -- generically known as Favipiravir -- to those infected with the new coronavirus, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
According to sources, of those tested, the drug proved effective in patients with mild symptoms and those without symptoms. Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Katsunobu Kato will soon request that pharmaceutical companies increase production.
Avigan is developed by a Fujifilm group pharmaceutical company, and is produced and stored in Japan as a treatment for the new strain of influenza. It is also reported to be effective in preventing the proliferation of certain viruses and in treating Ebola.
The government confirmed administering Avigan to patients infected with the new coronavirus in Japan was effective in preventing the development of serious symptoms in mild cases, and the onset of symptoms in asymptomatic people, a government official said.
Based on these results, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday advised Kato to use Avigan to prevent the coronavirus infection from spreading.
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