"It is very safe and clearly effective," said Zhang Xinmin, director of the science ministry's China National Center for Biotechnology Development, in a news conference.
Positive reception by Chinese government contrasts with reservations in Japan. It has been administered to coronavirus patients in Japan since February and the drug is not as efective in patients with more severe symptomps, The Guardian reported.
Japanese flu drug 'clearly effective' in treating coronavirus, says China (The Guardian)
Favipiravir 'very effective' against COVID-19, clinical trials show (CGTN)
Japanese Flu Drug ‘Effective’ Against Coronavirus In Clinical Trials, Chinese Officials Say (Forbes)
Fujifilm shares jump 15% on China coronavirus drug trial boost (Reuters)