Japan approves remdesivir as COVID-19 drug

Japan's health ministry has approved antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19, according to an NHK report.

The drug will be given to patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms, a Japanese health ministry official said at a press briefing. 

Remdesivir is the country's first authorized form of COVID-19 therapy. As of Thursday evening, Japan has reported more than 15,000 COVID-19 cases with 556 deaths in the country. 

However, a steady rise in cases has put pressure on medical facilities in some parts of the country, and a drug that helps patients recover more quickly could help in freeing up hospital beds.

Click here for more.