Japan has curbed the spread of the coronavirus so well within the country that it is facing a shortage of patients for clinical trials
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- Japan was successful in containing the spread of the coronavirus within the country, so much so that it is now facing a shortage of patients to enroll in clinical trials.
- While the epidemic drove Japan's medical system to the brink of collapse in recent months, serious cases now number about 60 nationwide.
- "Due to the decreasing number of coronavirus infections, we believe it will take some time before clinical research is completed," said Tetsuya Nakamura, who is running a trial of Avigan at Gunma University Hospital in central Japan.
- With a dearth of domestic patients, Japan may have to rely more on overseas data and results to aid in regulatory approvals.
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TOKYO (Reuters) - As nations race to develop treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, Japan has become a victim of its own success as slowing new infections has led to a shortage of patients to enroll in clinical trials.
Clinical trials are underway for more than a dozen potential vaccines, including at least six in China, but Japan's first human trials are expected to start next month.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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