Hungarian researchers have concluded the first phase of developing favipiravir, a medication proven effective against the novel coronavirus in Asia.
According to MTI, the innovation and technology ministry confirmed that production of the drug might start as early as this autumn.
State Secretary Tamás Schanda said the infrastructure for clinical tests and manufacturing will be provided by a wide-ranging cooperation between the government, research institutes, universities and companies. The government is funding the work with a HUF 370 million (EUR 1.1m) grant.
Favipiravir is used to alleviate flu symptoms. Clinical tests are yet to be conducted, and so it is not registered as a medicine in Europe and the US. Favipiravir has shown results in patients with COVID-19, the ministry said.
A call center set up for advice on the coronavirus can be reached on +36-80-277-455 and +36-80-277-456 or by email koronavirus@bm.gov.hu