24 April 2020 - - Japan-based contract research organization CMIC HOLDINGS Co., Ltd is providing monitoring services as a CRO (Contract Research Organization) for "Avigan Tablet" (generic name: favipiravir), a product that Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd. gained approval in Japan for manufacture and sale as an influenza antiviral drug, phase III clinical trial in Japan and will support for manufacturing the product as a CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), the company said.

Recently, Fujifilm announced the start of clinical trials of Avigan in Japan and overseas as one of the drug candidates for COVID-19. In addition, the Japanese government plans to stockpile two m treatment courses* of Avigan, as part of the Japanese government's emergency economic package.

On the back of the efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic, CMIC group supports the phase III clinical trial at CMIC Co., Ltd., a pioneer CRO in Japan.

Also, CMIC CMO Co., Ltd., a leading CDMO in Japan, will manufacture "Avigan Tablet" at their main plant to contribute that FUJIFILM Corp. accelerates the production.

CMIC group will continue to show our strong supports to pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals and contribute to the medical care and health of people suffering from COVID-19.

By using our unique business model "Pharmaceutical Value Creator " which covers the value chain of pharmaceutical companies, CMIC group will work to contribute to providing COVID-19 related services below.

Avigan Tablet was approved for manufacture and sale in Japan in 2014 as an influenza antiviral drug for novel or re-emerging influenza virus infections. Japanese government has a certain stock pile of the drug as a countermeasure against such influenza viruses.

CMIC Group was founded in 1992 as the first CRO in Japan.