World
Japan could offer unapproved Ebola drug

– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community
PHUKET: Japan could offer an unapproved drug under certain circumstances to help treat the deadly Ebola virus even before the World Health Organization has decided to make a request for the drug, the country’s top government spokesman said on Monday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that Japan would cooperate with the WHO and was ready to make an international contribution.
“I am informed that medical professionals could make a request for T-705 in an emergency even before a decision by the WHO. In that case, we would like to respond under certain criteria,” he said.
T-705 is the developmental code for the influenza drug favipiravir. Japan’s Fujifilm Holdings Corp and U.S. partner MediVector are in talks with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to submit an application to expand the use of favipiravir as a treatment for Ebola.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa has killed more than 1,000 people and prompted the WHO to declare an international health emergency.
— Phuket Gazette Editors
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

-
Guides2 days ago
Monsoon season in Thailand explained
-
Bangkok11 hours ago
Everything you need to know about the Bangkok Skytrain (BTS)
-
Northern Thailand3 days ago
Famous northern Thai dish declared world’s best soup
-
OutDoor Activities17 hours ago
Enjoy a splashing time and immerse yourself in Thai Mythology in Andamanda Phuket
-
North East1 day ago
UPDATE: Sexy Thai model fined 5,000 baht for dancing topless in club
-
Economy2 days ago
China-Taiwan-US spat threatens Thailand’s car industry
-
Economy3 days ago
Thailand’s hotels are short on workers
-
Chon Buri2 days ago
Cheap sound absorption panels believed to be cause of Mountain B fire