World bets on existing drugs to combat coronavirus

Thai doctors say novel mixture worked in one case, but experts remain guarded

Using an existing drug as the basis for a cure would eliminate much of the lengthy safety testing and clinical trials required for new drugs. (Source photos from EPA, National Institute of Infectious Diseases)

Nikkei staff writers

February 4, 2020 18:00 JST

TOKYO -- Doctors and researchers are trying existing drugs to treat pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus, but experts warn that more tests are needed and people should not pin their hopes on unverified reports.

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health announced on Sunday that a coronavirus patient had improved after being administered a mixture of the flu drug oseltamivir and HIV drugs lopinavir and ritonavir.