Researchers from China and Japan tested Favipiravir, an antiviral originally developed for influenza and widely used in Japan, revealing strong potential against COVID-19 when detected early.
REMINDER:
As reported by The Guardian on March 18, 2020, Chinese medical authorities highlighted the effectiveness of Favipiravir (Avigan), a flu drug developed by Fujifilm's subsidiary, against COVID-19 patients.
Zhang Xinmin from China's Ministry of Science and Technology detailed clinical trials on 340 patients in Wuhan and Shenzhen hospitals. Treated patients recovered in an average of four days, compared to 11 days for untreated cases. Lung X-rays confirmed improvements in 91% of treated cases.
In Japan, ongoing clinical studies focus on patients with mild to moderate symptoms, aiming to halt viral replication early. It proves less effective once the virus has proliferated significantly, underscoring the need for rapid screening paired with treatment.
Japanese regulators are considering large-scale approval for COVID-19 use, potentially by May, despite its primary flu indication.
Global COVID-19 treatment research offers multiple promising avenues. In France, trials include Kaletra (anti-HIV), interferon beta (immune modulator), Remdesivir (anti-Ebola), and chloroquine (antimalarial). A U.S. team tested an early vaccine, while a Belgian institute identified a neutralizing antibody.
Source
Related Articles:
