Singapore’s Minister of Health Ong ye Kung said yesterday that the first batch of the antiviral oral pill Paxlovid by Pfizer, has arrived in Singapore – the first batch arrived in Singapore on 11 February.
It is the first oral anti-viral medicine that is used for the treatment of Covid-19 Infections, and it has also been approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Ong said in his Facebook post that the pill will be prioritised for persons who are at a higher risk of severe Covid-19 illnesses.
The drug is used to treat mild to moderate Covid-19 in adult patients who face a high risk of getting severe disease from the infection, and is aimed at reducing the risk of death.
it has to be taken twice a day for 5 days, and should be prescribed ASAP within 5 days of the Covid-19 symptoms showing.
HSA said that after reviewing the clinical date, they found that the pills could reduce hospitalisation and deaths related to Covid-19 by about 88.9%, if it is given within 3 days from the symptoms showing.
Here is Ong Ye Kung’s Facebook statement
“The first batch of Paxlovid has arrived on our shores this week.
This is the first oral anti-viral medicine approved for treatment of COVID-19 infection in #Singapore. It will be prescribed and prioritised for those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
With more treatment options, we are now in a better position to provide good care to Singaporeans infected with COVID-19.”
Pfizer Singapore’s statment
Pfizer Singapore also released a statement on their Facebook on 11 February, saying:
“Last week, the Health Sciences Authority granted Interim Authorisation for Paxlovid™, the first oral tablet approved in Singapore for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adult patients who are at high risk of progression to severe disease, to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.
Working at lightspeed, Pfizer was proud to receive the first shipment of Paxlovid to Singapore today.
Erika Pagani, Country Manager for Pfizer Singapore said, “Effective prevention and treatments are needed to fight this pandemic. We are honored to work with the Ministry of Health, Singapore toward achieving our shared goal of addressing this public health crisis.”
Images source: Pfizer Singapore Facebook via Ong Ye Kung Facebook