China has approved a new type of flu drug that it believes may be effective in treating H7N9 bird flu virus.

According to a statement issued by the China Food and Drug Administration on Saturday, the potential of injections of peramivir diluted in sodium chloride injection has been proven by preliminary tests.

Peramivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor.

As of Saturday morning, China has confirmed 16 H7N9 cases, with six people dead.