Covid-19 pills not a priority
COVID-19 medications formulated and manufactured by Pfizer-biontech, Merck and are meant to boost the immune system to fight the virus.
Merck partnered with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and initial data revealed that the drug, molnupiravir, reduced hospitalisation by 50% and has since been hailed as a potent weapon in the arsenal utilised to fight Covid-19.
It would be one of the world’s first at-home treatments.
Yuven Gounden, spokesperson for the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra), said molnupiravir was being scrutinised for usage by the country.
“We have received several applications and rolling review registration applications. Currently, the applications are under review.”
Pfizer formulated a combination oral treatment, Paxlovid. Pfizer claimed Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalisation by nearly 90%.
No applications for Paxlovid have been made to get the green light in the country.
Epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim said thus far the main war plan against the virus was vaccination and this would not change.
Abdool Karim, a former chair of the Covid-19 ministerial advisory committee (MAC), said when a person tests positive for Covid-19 they would then have to go on a five-day treatment with tablets taken twice a day.
Abdool Karim said molnupiravir was less effective than Paxlovid.
“They both reduce hospitalisation rates, which is a key goal. Especially in those who are at high risk for infection. What would eventually happen is that more drugs will be introduced and in order to avoid resistance they would be used in a combination.”
Currently, both patents for the pills were available and open to the public listing of the World Health Organization allowing companies to be licensed to manufacture the pills.
Immunologist Kamsellin Chetty said the Covid-19 pills were not alternatives to vaccines.
“I am not sure as to when they would be available or their price. The pills do not work in conjunction with vaccines. Anti-virals are tablet medication and act directly so you can take it if you have been vaccinated but they work independently.”
According to a rapid review report by the National Essential Medicines List Committee of the MAC, molnupiravir was not suggested for use as well as alternatives.
The report further stated: “Due to the continuous emergence of new evidence, the rapid review will be updated if and when more relevant evidence becomes available.”
Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the national Health Department said the country had sufficient Covid-19 vaccine supplies and that was the priority.