Kato: No Need To Reconsider Remdesivir Approval
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu says there is no need at the moment to review the country's approval of the antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19.
Kato spoke to reporters on Friday after the World Health Organization published a guideline recommending that the drug should not be used for hospitalized coronavirus patients.
He noted the guideline does not say that remdesivir has no benefit, but there is insufficient evidence that it does improve outcomes.
Kato said multiple clinical trials have confirmed the drug has a certain level of efficacy after the United States authorized its emergency use.
He said the Japanese government granted fast-track approval for remdesivir in May and the drug is being used for treatment.
Kato added that the health ministry believes there is no need to reconsider its approval at this time.
