Visit our Covid-19 microsite for the latest coronavirus news, analysis and updates China’s Science and Technology Ministry official Zhang Xinmin has said that Japan-based Fujifilm’s anti-flu drug Favipiravir helped Covid-19 patients recover.
Developed by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, and also referred to as Avigan, Favipiravir gained approval in Japan in 2014. In 2016, Japan provided Favipiravir as emergency aid for the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea, noted Reuters.
The drug received Chinese approval for manufacturing by Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical to treat adults with new or recurring influenza, according to a filing by the company last month.