Anti-COVID-19 pill may be available in PH starting November

MANILA, Philippines — The first oral drug clinically proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 may arrive in the country next month.

This was announced by Faberco Life Sciences Inc., which was appointed to distribute the Molnupiravir 200mg capsule in the Philippines by Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., a partner manufacturer of Merck & Co, the developer of the said drug.

Faberco said it also partnered with RiteMed Philippines, Inc. in the distribution of the anti-COVID oral drug to hospitals, medical institutions, and treatment sites once compassionate special permits (CSP) are filed with and approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (PFDA).

“We are confident that through the distribution channels of RiteMed, Molnupiravir will reach healthcare facilities throughout the country faster, giving more Filipinos access to this lifesaving drug the soonest possible time,” said Kishore Hemlani, founder of Faberco.

“This partnership with Faberco puts RiteMed in a good position to help more Filipinos survive the pandemic and is aligned with our mission to provide access to essential medicines by partnering with like-minded doctors and healthcare facilities,” said RiteMed president Jose Maria Ochave.

Food and Drug Administration Director-General Eric Domingo earlier said that the oral antiviral drug can be used by doctors in hospitals for COVID treatment through the CSP.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also earlier promised that it will make efforts to “have better access” to the antiviral pill.

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