Fujifilm announces the start of a phase III clinical trial of influenza antiviral drug “Avigan Tablet” on COVID-19 and commits to increasing production
For more information: https://www.fujifilm.com/jp/en/news/hq/3211?_ga=2.116910662.1504568395.1585764405-146260470.1585764405
Information of Avigan Tablet in relation to COVID-19
Avigan Tablet was approved for manufacture and sale in Japan in 2014 as an influenza antiviral drug. The drug is to be considered for use only when there is an outbreak of novel or re-emerging influenza virus infections in which other influenza antiviral drugs are either not effective or insufficiently effective, and the Japanese government decides to use the drug as a countermeasure against such influenza viruses. Thus, while the Japanese government has a certain stockpile of the drug, Avigan Tablet has never been distributed in the market and is not available at hospitals and pharmacies in Japan or overseas.
Favipiravir, the active pharmaceutical ingredient of Avigan Tablet, has a mechanism of action that prevents the propagation of viruses. The drug may potentially have an antiviral effect on the novel coronavirus as it is classified into the same type (single-stranded RNA virus) as influenza virus. However, at this stage, clinical application of Avigan Tablet to treat Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is under study and preparation in order to obtain clear evidence of the drug's efficacy and safety.
Avigan Tablet has not been approved for marketing in any countries other than Japan. If any other national government or regulatory authority decides the use of Avigan Tablet, Fujifilm group intends to cooperate sincerely with the supply of Avigan Tablet to such countries in consultation and coordination with the Japanese government.
Marketed as Favilavir by Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceuticals (China)