Japan's health minister says approval of the anti-flu drug Avigan to treat the coronavirus will be postponed, due to the need to continue clinical trials.
Kato Katsunobu said on Tuesday that a third-party panel in charge of assessing clinical studies believes it is too early to scientifically evaluate the drug's effectiveness. He said clinical studies and trials will continue in June.
The government had initially hoped to approve the drug in May. It has said it would grant fast-track approval for the drug, developed by a Japanese firm, once safety and effectiveness are proven.
Kato said this policy remains unchanged, and noted that Avigan has been given to more than 3,000 people for observational studies.
He said there have been no reports of new side effects that would raise safety issues.
NHK
