As the whole world is on a race on making the vaccine for the global pandemic, some countries are looking at existing antiviral drugs that could possibly combat COVID-19.
A company in Tokyo Japan for example, Fujifilm Holdings, is now preparing to increase production of Avigan, an antiviral drug developed by Toyama Chemical of Japan.
This is in response to the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressing his support for using Avigan, as a possible treatment for the new coronavirus.
China first considered Avigan as a coronavirus treatment stating that the clinical trials made indicates its effectivity against the virus. They further indicated that there were no obvious side effects but it is not advisable to be used by pregnant women for it can cause serious fetal abnormalities.
“We also plan to launch the clinical trial process required for formal approval [of treatments for novel-coronavirus infection,”
Shinzo Abe, Japanese Prime Minister
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tedros said that the WHO is determined to coordinate among countries to develop various drugs and vaccines for the coronavirus.
Used only to treat new or reemerging influenza viruses, and at the request of the health minister, the anti-flu drug Avigan, has not been in continuous production.
Source: https://www.fujifilm.com/jp/en/news/hq/3211
COVID-19 Cebu
As the threat of the Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 rises every day, the Cebu province has taken a proactive approach and is pulling all stops in protecting the island. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 and its symptoms: https://sugbo.ph/2020/corona-virus-in-cebu/
With this, an Executive Order was issued for the implementation of the drastic but necessary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For more information, head on to: https://sugbo.ph/2020/cebu-implements-drastic-measures/
If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.
