A NEW pill could "kill" coronavirus if taken within four days of a positive test, scientists hope.

Antiviral tablet Favipiravir is already used in Japan for flu and is made by Fujifilm Toyama Chemicals.

But it is being trialled for use in covid patients with milder coronavirus by scientists in Glasgow with hopes it could stop mild symptoms from developing into serious ones.

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It has to be taken within four days of a positive test and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow University are urging people to take part in a study.

The treatment can be taken at home, twice a day, and is intended for people with milder symptoms than those requiring hospital treatment.

The study, Glasgow Early Treatment Arm Favipiravir (GETAFIX), will assess the effectiveness of the drug to help with symptoms and reduce the time it takes to recover from Covid-19.

Three NHSGGC hospitals are taking part, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Royal Alexandra Hospital, and include an outpatient facility for patients treated in the community.

Half the patients involved will receive the drug twice a day for ten days alongside standard treatment, with the other half receiving standard treatment for comparison.

The study is organised by Glasgow University and supported by the Glasgow Clinical Research Facility and is funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government.

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Prof Rob Jones, director of the CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, said: “If you have recently been diagnosed with Covid-19 and would like to contribute to groundbreaking research, please get in touch.

"We are looking for people who have just recently been diagnosed with Covid-19 – within four days of a positive coronavirus test result.

“We are looking to see whether this antiviral treatment will help kill off the virus and prevent more serious complications.”

Dr Janet Scott (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research) said: “This drug is active against many viruses, it is used already for influenza in Japan.

"We are able to offer the trial not just to patients in hospital but also for home use.

"Our hope is that it will stop mild symptoms developing into serious ones.”

To take part visit http://www.getafix-trial.org.uk/