China today approved a new type of drug that it believes may be effective in treating the deadly H7N9 bird flu virus, even as two more cases were reported taking the total to 18, six of whom have died so far.   

According to a statement issued by the China Food and Drug Administration, the potential of injections of 'peramivir diluted in sodium chloride' have proved effective in preliminary tests, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.   

As of today, China has confirmed 18 H7N9 cases -- eight in Shanghai, six in Jiangsu, three in Zhejiang and one in Anhui, in the first known human infections of the lesser-known strain. Hong Kong too reported one case.   

Six people, four in Shanghai and two in Zhejiang province have died due to the virus, which till now have no proven cure.   

The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China said today that the country's H7N9 cases were isolated and there has been no sign of human-to-human transmission.