The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the emergency use of the anti-viral drug molnupiravir given to patients developing COVID-19.
According to FDA Director General Undersecretary Eric Domingo, the said drug can be given to patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 ages 18 and older.
“Isa rin po na alam din natin na nag-apply ng Emergency Use Authorization sa FDA ay iyong gamot na Molnupiravir. At sa ngayon po mayroon tayong isang binigyan na ng EUA, ito po ‘yung Molnupiravir na ang kaniyang brand name ay MOLNARZ,” said Domingo.
(One of the things we also know that has applied for Emergency Use Authorization with the FDA is your drug Molnupiravir. And so far, we have one given by the EUA, this is Molnupiravir, whose brand name is MOLNARZ.)
However, he said the drug can no longer be given to patients whose severe cases and need oxygen.
“So ang pangalan po niya ay Molnupiravir and it comes in 200 milligram capsules ‘no. Ito po ay pinapayagan nating ibigay sa mga pasyente with mild to moderate COVID disease so hindi po ito puwede sa mga severe o iyong mga nangangailangan na ng oxygen,” added Domingo.
(So its name is Molnupiravir, and it comes in 200-milligram capsules. We allow it to be given to patients with mild to moderate COVID disease, so it is unsuitable for severe or those who already need oxygen.)
He also said that the said drug could be given to adults whose condition may worsen due to other diseases or comorbidities.
FDA approves anti-viral drug molnupiravir
Twice a day, Molnupiravir is given at 800 milligrams for five days or since the onset of symptoms of the disease.
He said that because the drug Molnupiravir already has an Emergency Use Authorization, the issuance of the Compassionate Special Permit will be stopped.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has already issued emergency use authorization (EUA) to Pfizer’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine for ages 5 to 11 years.
According to FDA Director-General Eric Domingo, it considers clinical trials and efficacy rates of the vaccine in children abroad.
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