Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government is following the example set by the U.S. in speeding up approval of still unproven virus drugs, as he faces new criticism over his plan for exiting the state of emergency and reviving the nation’s economy.
Japanese regulators are usually known for taking a year to approve new drugs, but authorized the use of Gilead Sciences Inc.’s remdesivir just three days after receiving the application.
Abe has also said that Avigan, Fujifilm Holdings Corp.’s rival anti-viral drug and a treatment he has long cited in public remarks, was in line for clearance by the end of the month.