Society

Japan drugmaker Shionogi to seek approval for oral COVID-19 drug

Aug 07 (Japan Times) - OSAKA – Pharmaceutical firm Shionogi & Co. plans to seek state approval for its oral coronavirus drug by the end of this year in the hope of offering at-home treatment and easing strain on hospitals, company sources said Friday.

The Osaka-based firm expects the antiviral drug, which has been undergoing clinical trials since July, will prevent mild and moderate COVID-19 symptoms from worsening.

If approved, it would be the first oral drug in Japan for COVID-19 patients with mild cases. Currently, only an intravenous drug, which needs to be administered at hospitals, is available for patients with light symptoms in the country.

Due to a rapid surge in coronavirus infections in Japan, concerns have been mounting over a shortage of hospital beds and the rising number of patients recuperating at home, who could see their symptoms worsen while not getting proper medical attention.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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