Fujifilm is in the picture as anti- flu drug is earmarked for ebola
The Japanese government yesterday gave Fujifilm the go ahead to make an experimental anti-flu drug available for use on ebola patients.
Favipiravir, developed by Fujifilm subsidiary Toyama Chemical, was approved as a flu treatment by Japan’s health ministry in March. It now seems to have potential applications for ebola treatment, too.
Fujifilm is now involved in talks with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to arrange for clinical testing of the drug.
Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said Favipiravir could be available for treatment whenever the World Health Organisation (WHO) requested it.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old British nurse being treated for ebola at London’s Royal Free Hospital, William Pooley, has received the experimental drug ZMapp. Dr Michael Jacobs said: “We’ve had the opportunity to give him ZMapp.”
The UN’s health agency yesterday described the ebola crisis in West Africa as “vastly underestimated”.
Fujifilm’s share price rose in initial morning trading, but fell back slightly during the day.