Japanese health authorities have been unable to reach a conclusion on the effectiveness of antiviral drug Avigan in treating COVID-19 patients based on the results of clinical testing by its developer, government sources said Wednesday.
The latest assessment by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency will serve as key material for a health ministry review panel that will likely decide on Monday whether to approve the use of Avigan to treat COVID-19 in Japan.
Drugmaker Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co., a unit of Fujifilm Holdings Corp., filed an application for use of the drug to fight COVID-19 in October. Avigan has already received approval for use with cases of influenza.