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.

MANILA – Japan and the Philippines exchanged diplomatic notes Wednesday for the ¥50 billion loan assistance from the Japanese government to support the Philippines’ emergency response to the new coronavirus as well as related social protection, relief, and economic recovery stimulus measures.

TOKYO – Gilead Sciences Inc., the U.S. pharmaceutical firm that developed remdesivir, priced the antiviral drug at $2,340 dollars, equivalent to more than ¥250,000, per COVID-19 patient for wealthy countries like Japan.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Department of Finance signed a combined total of 154 billion yen Official Development Assistance for infrastructure projects in Cebu and Davao emphasizing JICA's support to the Philippine economy affected by COVID-19.