FDA only OKd Molnarz as molnupiravir brand, says distributor

FILE PHOTO: An experimental COVID-19 treatment pill, called molnupiravir and being developed by Merck & Co Inc and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, is seen in this undated handout photo released by Merck & Co Inc and obtained by Reuters on October 26, 2021. Merck & Co Inc/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — A pharmaceutical distribution company on Friday reminded the public that Molnarz is the only brand of molnupiravir that was granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Molnupiravir (MolnarzTM) is the only Molnupiravir that was granted EUA by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration to Faberco Life Sciences Inc. (FLSI),” said Faberco Life Sciences Inc., in a statement. Faberco Life Sciences Inc. is the distributor of Molnarz in the country.

Molnarz is manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., a partner manufacturer of Merck & Co, the developer of the COVID-19 pill for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

According to FLSI, several local government units, hospitals, and other health facilities have been provided with the drug.

The pharmaceutical company also said it is “committed to address the urgent need for Molnupiravir and ensure to allocate enough supply to respond the surging need in the coming days.”

Molnupiravir is the first oral drug clinically proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Molnarz secured an EUA from the FDA in December 2021.

However, Merck & Co said in November that updated data from its study of molnupiravir showed that the experimental pill was less effective in cutting hospitalizations and deaths than initially reported.

The company said its pill showed a 30 percent reduction in hospitalizations and deaths based on data from 1,433 patients. In October, the pill showed a 50 percent efficacy based on data from 775 patients.

/MUF