Photo/Illutration Avigan, an anti-flu drug also known as favipiravir (Provided by Fujifilm Holdings Corp.)

Avigan, an anti-influenza medicine, will not receive official approval for treatment of the novel coronavirus this month, health ministry sources said May 25.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe previously stated at a news conference that he was planning to introduce the drug by the end of May if its efficacy in treating the virus is confirmed.

“We are still conducting clinical trials on Avigan and once the efficacy has been confirmed, we will move to swiftly approve it," health minister Katsunobu Kato told a news conference May 26. 

Avigan, manufactured by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co. and also known as favipiravir, was approved for use in 2014 if the government deems it necessary to treat new or resurging influenza.

But when administered to animals, the drug was found to have a negative effect on fetuses. It is feared the drug could cause severe side effects such as birth defects if expectant mothers take it.

Kato insisted that no side effects have been reported following clinical trials involving in excess of 3,000 test subjects at more than 600 medical facilities nationwide for the purpose of observation research.

Domestic researchers have been studying the efficacy of the drug for the novel coronavirus as well as its safety. But Fujifilm Toyama Chemical has yet to apply for approval for its use.

Officials at Fujita Health University said at a May 20 news conference after conducting specified clinical research on Avigan that the efficacy of the drug in treating the coronavirus has not yet been confirmed.

Referring to the university's studies, sources said an evaluation committee consisting of outside experts had concluded it was too early to scientifically confirm whether it is effective and safe.

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