Japan health ministry delays decision on Avigan for coronavirus

Authorities seek additional data before greenlighting Fujifilm flu drug

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Avigan, also known by its generic name favipiravir, was shown to accelerate recovery in COVID-19 patients with non-severe pneumonia in a clinical trial by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical. © Reuters

HIROMITSU GOTO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The Japanese health ministry's expert board on Monday postponed a decision on whether to approve Fujifilm Holdings' Avigan for coronavirus treatment, opting to examine more evidence to determine its efficacy.

"This is not a rejection of Avigan's effectiveness," a ministry representative said. The board will continue with its deliberations once additional clinical trial results come out, with a decision now expected no earlier than January.

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