Limited promise in early results from Ebola drug trial

Early results from an Ebola trial using the experimental drug Avigan (favipiravir) showed it was somewhat effective at saving lives if given early in the illness, but not later.

The antiviral treatment is being developed by the Japanese company Toyama Chemical, and has been shown safe and effective against some other viruses including influenza, West Nile and yellow fever.

An ongoing clinical trial in Guinea is testing the drug's use in patients with the Ebola virus, which causes severe vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes fatal bleeding.