Fujifilm Begins Late-Stage Trial of Avigan for COVID-19

Fujifilm has launched a phase 3 trial in Japan to evaluate its antiviral drug Avigan (favipiravir) as a potential treatment for COVID-19 patients. Avigan is currently approved in Japan as an influenza treatment.

In December 2020, Japan’s health ministry said trial data used to support the drug’s submission as a COVID-19 antiviral were inconclusive. The new study will specifically target patients 50 years and older as well as high-risk patients.

Avigan has already been approved as a COVID-19 antiviral in Russia, India and Indonesia.