Avigan was approved in 2014, for use only when there is an outbreak of a novel or re-emerging flu infection which cannot be treated with other antivirals drugs. As such, it is held in reserve and the Japanese government decides when it should be used. Yoshihide Suga, chief cabinet secretary said the Japanese government has received numerous requests through diplomatic channels for access to Avigan. The drug’s manufacturer Fujifilm announced last week that it is increasing production and that it is starting a phase III clinical trial in Japan.

The authors of a recent study featuring in the journal Environmental Science & Technology believe that testing for SARS-CoV-2 in raw sewage might help track its spread among communities.

The researchers involved in the recent study previously designed a paper-based test that can detect malaria. The tests are cost effective and do not require skilled laboratory technicians.

The team believes that similar technology could be effective in detecting the coronavirus. Lead author Zhugen Yang, Ph.D., explains how this could help:

“If COVID-19 can be monitored in a community at an early stage through [wastewater-based epidemiology], effective intervention can be taken as early as possible to restrict the movements of that local population, working to minimize the pathogen spread and threat to public health.”