EU Sends Potential Anti-Hantavirus Treatment to Member States

The European Union has announced the delivery of the first batches of a potentail antiviral drug targeting Hantavirus to France, Spain, and the Netherlands in an urgent effort to contain the spread of the disease and treat confirmed cases.

The European Commission said a total of 1,400 tablets of the drug Favipiravir had been distributed to member states following a donation from Japanese pharmaceutical company FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical.

Favipiravir is currently considered one of the leading treatment options, as there is still no officially approved vaccine or treatment for Hantavirus.

The European Medicines Agency previously indicated that the drug is among the most viable candidates for use in clinical trials and under “compassionate use” protocols, which allow unapproved treatments to be administered in severe cases.

The European Commission stressed that decisions regarding the use of the medication will remain under the authority of individual countries based on their health assessments and national needs.

The donation was coordinated through cooperation between Japanese authorities and the European Union mission in Japan as part of wider international efforts to respond to the health crisis.

Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, said solidarity and rapid action are critical to saving lives.

The European Commission also confirmed the launch of emergency procurement procedures to secure additional supplies of the drug amid concerns over a possible rise in infections in the coming weeks.