Japan offers experimental Ebola treatment drug, Favipiravir

The Japanese government has offered to release an anti-influenza drug called Favipiravir, which they claim they developed for the treatment of new and re-emerging viral diseases, including Ebola. They say the drug can treat Ebola and other influenza viral diseases.

Announcing the offer to newsmen yesterday August 25th in Tokyo, the Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Japanese government, Yoshihide Suga said the Japanese government is waiting for the World Health Organization to request for the drug and it will be dispatched immediately. He however said that pending the time WHO will approve and request for the drug, any emergency request by any individual may be responded to by Japan.

Spokesperson of Fujifilm, the company that developed the drug, Takao Aoki, said they have more than enough of the drug to cater for over 20,000 patients and are in talks with the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical testing of the drug

"Fujifilm is in talks with the US Food and Drug Administration on clinical testing of the drug in treating Ebola, The company has Favipiravir stock for more than 20,000 patients. Ebola and influenza viruses are the same type and theoretically similar effects can be expected on Ebola,” he said.

Nigeria's Health ministry had last week Thursday August 21st announced that it had requested for another type of Anti-Ebola viral drugs but its not certain if it was Favipiravir.