An experts' panel of Japan's health ministry has agreed to allow an anti-influenza drug developed by a domestic company when people are infected with the deadly Ebola virus, although it has not yet been approved for treating Ebola, the Japan Times reported on Saturday.
If Ebola infection is confirmed in Japan, the ministry will allow the administration of Favipiravir developed by Toyama Chemical Co., which has yet to be authorized for the disease but may be effective.
Since there is no authorized drug for Ebola, the panel discussed the advisability of using Favipiravir.
At a press conference, Health Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki said that Japan has stocked enough Favipiravir to treat some 20,000 people.
The minister indicated that the emergency use of the drug based on a physician's judgment will be permitted.