Philippines, Japan plan Avigan trials before end of April
MANILA (Kyodo) —
The Philippines and Japan
are planning to begin clinical trials of Avigan before the end of the month, in the hope of using the anti-influenza drug as a treatment for the new coronavirus.
Philippine Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire
told Kyodo News on late Thursday that arrangements are being finalized to begin testing on people afflicted with the disease as soon as possible.
“We are expediting the process, so we hope we could start before the end of the month,” she said, noting that discussions for the testing size and duration have yet to be concluded.
The Philippines
expressed willingness to participate in the clinical trials for Avigan during a virtual summit held last Tuesday with leaders of Southeast Asian countries,
The Mainichi
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200417/p2g/00m/0fe/094000c