On Jan. 30, Zhou Zhihiro, executive director of the Central Infectious Disease Control Center, revealed that Japan had offered to provide Avigan, a new influenza drug that is expected to be effective in treating new coronaviruses. However, he explained, “I refrained from doing so at this time because there are preparations in Japan and there is still room to verify the effectiveness of the drug.
A reporter asked about the fact that Taiwan was not included in the 38 countries that Japan grants Abigan free of charge during its regular afternoon conference. Mr. Zhou thanked the Japanese for their goodwill and said that he would contact them again if it becomes necessary.
Avigan is also manufactured in China.
