90-Second Read: UK government bolsters antiviral supply for Hantavirus

The UK has received a supply of favipiravir from the Japanese government to aid Hantavirus preparedness. The risk of wider transmission of Hantavirus in the UK remains very low, but the UKHSA said securing a supply of favipiravir is an "important part of preparedness and defence against the outbreak". According to GlobalData, the Hantavirus outbreak is a reminder of the need for greater investment in novel antivirals.

The UK has received doses of antiviral medicine favipiravir as a precaution in case Hantavirus spreads in the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it accepted delivery of the medicine last weekend from the Japanese government. Three people died as a result of infection with the virus, which is usually spread by rodents but can be transmitted between people in rare cases.

In the case of Hantavirus, no studies in humans with the medication have been conducted, meaning its use would be off-label. There are no vaccines or therapies specifically approved for Hantavirus. Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.