Japan is considering using Avigan, an anti-influenza medication developed by a Fujifilm Holdings Corp. group company, to treat patients of the new coronavirus, health minister Katsunobu Kato said Saturday.

"We will do everything we can," said Kato in a TV program as he indicated the possible use of what is also known as Favipiravir, although he noted there is no established treatment for COVID-19 yet.

"We hear from overseas that some (drugs) among those that have been used against influenza may be useful," he said.

Kato told reporters his ministry will check how effective flu drugs are in fighting the disease and, if necessary, make it possible for many medical institutions to use them in treating patients.

He also said the government will disclose its basic policy on how to deal with the outbreak of the virus, possibly Tuesday.

==Kyodo

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