The Japanese government has offered
to release an anti-influenza drug called Favipiravir, which they
claim they developed for the treatment of new and re-emerging viral diseases,
including Ebola. They say the drug can treat Ebola and other influenza viral
diseases.
Announcing the offer to newsmen
yesterday August 25th in Tokyo, the Chief Cabinet Secretary of the
Japanese government, Yoshihide Suga said the Japanese government is
waiting for the World Health Organization to request for the drug and it will be
dispatched immediately. He however said that pending the time WHO will approve
and request for the drug, any emergency request by any individual may be
responded to by Japan.
Spokesperson of Fujifilm, the
company that developed the drug, Takao Aoki, said they have more
than enough of the drug to cater for over 20,000 patients and are in
talks with the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical testing of the drug
"Fujifilm is in talks with the US Food and Drug
Administration on clinical testing of the drug in treating Ebola, The company
has Favipiravir stock for more than 20,000 patients. Ebola and influenza
viruses are the same type and theoretically similar effects can be expected on
Ebola,” he said.
Nigeria's Health ministry had
last week Thursday August 21st announced that it had requested for another type
of Anti-Ebola viral drugs but its not certain if it was Favipiravir.
Linda Ikeji
No comments:
Post a Comment