NanoViricides Inc. (NNVC)

[Ubertino]

Ebola outbreak: Japan offers experimental anti-flu drug to World Health Organisation for Ebola treatment

Favipiravir has not been tested on Ebola but scientists say it could work

LIZZIE DEARDEN Monday 25 August 2014

[SNIPS]

Japan is offering an experimental anti-viral drug called favipiravir as a possible treatment for the Ebola virus.

The drug, known under the brand name Avignan, has been approved by Japan’s health ministry for use against flu but has not been tested on humans with Ebola.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said its manufacturers, a subsidiary of Fujifilm Holdings Corp, can ship the drug at any time on the request of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Fujifilm is in talks with the US Food and Drug Administration over the clinical testing of favipiravir in treating Ebola, company spokesman Takao Aoki said.

He said Ebola and influenza viruses are the same general type and a similar response can theoretically be expected from both.

Favipiravir inhibits viral gene replication within infected cells to prevent propagation, while other anti-viral drugs often are designed to inhibit the release of new viral particles to prevent the spread of infection, the company said.

It has enough stock of favipiravir for more than 20,000 patients.

Mr Suga said Japan is waiting for a decision by WHO that would provide greater guidance on the use of untested drugs against Ebola.

In case of an emergency, Japan may respond to individual requests before any further decision by WHO, he said.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/ebola-outbreak-japan-offers-experimental-antiflu-drug-to-world-health-organisation-for-ebola-treatment-9689715.html