Apr 04 (NHK) - The Japanese government plans to provide nations hit by the coronavirus pandemic with the anti-flu drug Avigan developed by a Japanese chemical firm.
Clinical trials of Avigan are now underway in Japan to examine the effectiveness and safety of the drug for potential use in treating symptoms caused by the new coronavirus.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Friday that the government has so far received requests for the drug from about 30 countries.
Suga said the government plans to expand clinical trials of Avigan while having discussions with the countries that placed the requests.
He added that it will provide each of those nations with the amount of the drug they need, free of charge.
The German government reportedly plans to procure millions of packs of Avigan to treat coronavirus patients with severe illness.
Researchers in China say that Avigan proved effectiveness in clinical trials with people infected with the coronavirus.
