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Fujifilm Partners with Dr. Reddy’s and Global Response Aid to Sell Avigan Overseas

TOKYO – Fujifilm Corporation said on Wednesday it was partnering with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. and Global Response Aid (GRA) to sell the antiviral drug Avigan (favipiravir) abroad, which is a potential COVID-19 treatment.

According to Fujifilm, an agreement was concluded between them, Dr. Reddy’s in India, and Dubai-based GRA concerning the development, manufacture and sales of Avigan.

“Under the agreement, Fujifilm Toyama Chemical will grant Dr. Reddy’s and GRA the exclusive right to develop, manufacture and sell Avigan overseas, and receive a lump-sum license fee and royalties on sales,” it said in a statement.

Avigan, which was approved for manufacture and sale in Japan in 2014, specifically blocks RNA polymerase associated with influenza viral replication. This mechanism is expected to have an antiviral effect on (SARS-CoV-2), the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Fujifilm is currently conducting a clinical study on Avigan targeting COVID-19 patients in Japan and the US, and is working to increase the drug’s production by partnering with domestic and overseas companies. - Florenda Corpuz