Until recently, the treatment options for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 have been limited. New oral antiviral medicines are becoming available for the treatment of confirmed COVID-19 in adults who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at risk of progression to severe COVID -19.
One of these new medicines is molnupiravir. In a phase 2/3 clinical trial, molnupiravir was shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death compared with placebo, but only when treatment was initiated within 5 days of the first symptoms of COVID-19. Molnupiravir is only indicated for use in patients aged 18 years and older.
SAHPRA has authorised, with conditions, the importation of molnupiravir 200mg capsules (“LAGEVRIO”), to be provided by MSD (Pty) Ltd, in terms of section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965. This authorisation is for a limited quantity of “LAGEVRIO” and is initially limited to a period of six (6) months. Imported “LAGEVRIO” will be distributed through the usual distribution chain, and will require a prescription by an authorised prescriber in accordance with the control measures applied to Schedule 4 substances.
Read the official statement below:
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