Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies USA Inc., a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has shown a 200% increase in all deal volume for infectious disease drugs over the last year, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Sharon Cartic, Associate Director Research and Analysis at GlobalData, comments: “Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has manufacturing contract service agreements in 2020 that focus on COVID-19 drugs, while in 2019 the manufacturing contract service agreements spanned across various other therapeutic areas, demonstrating how COVID-19 has rapidly changed the landscape.”

In June 2020, Fujifilm entered a licensing agreement with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (Dr Reddy’s) and Global Response Aid (GRA) to sell and distribute the already approved influenza drug Avigan (favipiravir) for COVID-19 in all countries excluding Japan, China, and Russia.

Positive Phase III results for COVID-19 patients with non-severe pneumonia in Japan earlier this year show progress towards seeking a Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) approval of Avigan for COVID-19 in that country.

Cartic adds: “Earlier this year US President Donald Trump wanted to push for Emergency Use Approval (EUA) of Avigan for COVID-19, but his statements on COVID-19 have often been contradictory.

“Nevertheless, Bio/Pharma companies should keep one eye on Fujifilm’s rapid deal-making pace within infectious disease in the coming months.”