Fujifilm Starts Phase 2 Trial of Influenza Antiviral for COVID-19

Fujifilm has initiated a phase 2 clinical trial in the U.S. to evaluate its influenza antiviral Avigan (favipiravir) for COVID-19 patients.

The trial will enroll approximately 50 COVID-19 patients in a collaboration with Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Avigan is approved in Japan as an influenza antiviral. The Japanese drugmaker began a phase 3 trial of Avigan for COVID-19 patients in Japan on March 31.