World’s first Covid-19 antiviral pill coming soon to PH

The Philippines will soon have access to Molnupiravir, an antiviral pill to treat patients who are infected with COVID-19.

In a press statement, local pharmaceutical company Faberco Life Sciences, Inc. (Faberco) said the company expects the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (PFDA) to approve its application for the use of Molnupiravir in the country after the oral treatment received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the UK last week.

“We are anticipating the approval from the Philippine FDA in the coming weeks” said Faberco Life Sciences Inc. founding member and Chairman of the Board, Vinay Panemanglor.

Faberco, in partnership with RiteMed Philippines, Inc. are set to distribute the antiviral COVID pill to hospitals, medical institutions, and treatment sites under Compassionate Special Permits (CSPs), which allow institutions to procure and distribute products under study, or those awaiting approval for immediate use in emergency situations.

Molnupiravir, developed by Merck, (MSD) is the first antiviral medication for Covid-19 that can be taken as a pill rather than given as an injection.

In clinical trials the pill, originally developed to treat flu, cut the risk of hospitalization or death by 50% when given as a 5-day treatment regimen in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The drug needs to be given within five days of symptoms developing to be most effective.

Molnupiravir is the first COVID-19 drug that can be administered outside of a hospital setting, before the illness has progressed to a severe stage.

Faberco is likewise expecting an approval from the Philippine FDA for the (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine COVOVAX™, which received its first authorization in Indonesia earlier last week. Other countries including the UK, Australia, Canada, and the World Health organization (WHO) are expected to approve the vaccine soon.

“These two products, Molnupiravir and COVOVAX™, showcase Faberco’s commitment to bringing in quality pharmaceutical products to the Philippines. In this case, we are honored to have the opportunity to help bring both a prevention and a treatment to the country, as we work towards ending the pandemic and getting back to normal said Mr. Panemanglor.

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