Search for coronavirus cure boosted by go-ahead for Fujifilm's Avigan

Existing flu and HIV treatments come with promise -- and possible side effects

Remdesivir, originally developed to treat Ebola, is undergoing clinical trials on 1,000 coronavirus patients. © AP

NORIYUKI TAKADA, Nikkei staff writer

March 19, 2020 02:00 JST

TOKYO -- Medical experts are turning to existing treatments for the flu, Ebola and other illnesses to save patients from the spreading pandemic amid a global push to develop a cure for the new coronavirus.

The Chinese government announced Tuesday that the influenza drug favipiravir, developed by a Fujifilm Holdings subsidiary and sold under the name Avigan, is effective against the coronavirus, based on a clinical trial of 200 patients.