FDA Director-General Rolando Enrique DomingoTHE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its emergency use approval (EUA) to a monoclonal antibody cocktail that will prevent mild and moderate infections from getting severe Covid-19. Molnupiravir, produced by Merck, is said to be effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization or death from Covid-19 by as much as 50 percent. According to Kishore Hemlani, founder of Faberco Life Sciences, with the distribution network of RiteMED, molnupiravir will reach healthcare facilities faster, which will allow Filipinos access to the drug. The drug will be produced by Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, which has been appointed as a partner manufacturer of Merck. Initial batches will arrive by next month once a compassionate special permit or an EUA has been issued by the FDA.

Source: Manila Times October 08, 2021 15:55 UTC