Denka production of anti-epidemic raw material diethyl malonate

A Japanese chemical manufacturer said it would resume production of an organic compound later this week for the manufacture of the drug Avigan for patients with new coronary pneumonia.

Tokyo-based Denka announced on May 13 that its Omi Plant in Niigata Prefecture in central Japan will resume production of diethyl malonate on May 16 which is the anti-influenza drug Avigan Key raw materials.

 The Japanese government's goal is to provide 2 million people with a sufficient supply of this drug in the fiscal year ending March 2021. Diethyl malonate mainly relies on Chinese imports, and ensuring stable supply has always been a problem.

Electrochemical is the only manufacturer in Japan capable of producing diethyl malonate, but the company suspended production of the chemical in April 2017.

In response to the government's call to ensure a stable supply chain, the company has been preparing to resume production.

 The company plans to provide a sufficient amount of raw materials (for other companies to make) the Avigan required by the end of June.

Imai Toshio, a senior director of electrochemistry, said that the global supply and demand of diethyl malonate is tight, so it is vital to ensure a complete domestic supply chain in Japan.