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| World’s First Generic Anti-Covid Drug Bexovid. (Photo from Facebook/Biocare Lifesciences Inc.) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced Tuesday that the city government will soon have its own supply of the much anticipated antiviral drug Bexovid, the world’s first generic version of Pfizer’s Paxlovid, which is used for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19. Updating the public via Facebook Live, Moreno said the city’s application for a compassionate special permit (CSP) has been recently granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allowing the city government to procure Bexovid, PH Inquirer reported.
The 47-year-old presidential aspirant said the antiviral drug will be made available to everyone in need, whether they are Manila residents or not. According to reports, Bexovid may be used for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19 from 12 years old and above. It can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by 88 to 89 percent when taken within three to five days from the onset of symptoms. Earlier, the Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer also said the city of Manila has placed an advanced order of Paxlovid from Pfizer, which was first authorized for use in the United States.
Pfizer is expected to apply for the emergency use authorization of its antiviral drug in the Philippines by the last week of January, according to FDA.
