China says Japan-developed drug Avigan works against coronavirus

Positive reception by Chinese government contrasts with reservations in Japan

20201214 Most Read 3 China drug

The Chinese government has been conducting clinical research on a treatment for COVID-19.   © AP

SHIN WATANABE, MICHELLE CHAN, and WATARU SUZUKI, Nikkei staff writers

DALIAN, China/HONG KONG/TOKYO -- An influenza medicine developed by a Fujifilm Holdings group company is effective against the new coronavirus, the Chinese government said on Tuesday.

Beijing has already begun recommending the drug favipiravir, developed by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical and sold under the brand name Avigan.

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