Use of Bexovid, a generic version of Pfizer’s Paxlovid, has been approved by the FDA
Bexovid, a generic version the antiviral COVID-19 pill by Pfizer, has been approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which allows the Department of Health (DOH), to make the treatment available to government hospitals according to
FDA Director Oscar Gutierrez Jr. during a presentation on Monday, January 10.
“The FDA has approved the application of the DOH for a compassionate special permit institutional use to make accessible the first generic version of Paxlovid with the brand name Bexovid.” said Guttierez.
“It is hoped that the cost of treatment would be cheaper because Bexovid is a generic drug,” he added.
Bexovid, made by Beximco Pharm and will be distributed in the Philippines by Biocare Lifescience, is the world’s first generic counterpart of the US FDA-approved Pfizer’s Paxlovid with the generic name nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.
The treatment will be given as two tablets — one of Nirmatelvir and one Ritonavir — together twice a day for five days.
Gutierrez emphasized that the risk of hospitalization or death can be reduced as much as 89% if the treatment would be taken within three days of the onset of symptoms.
It is indicated foraged 12 or older, weighing at least 40 kilograms, with mild to moderate infection.
An 88% rate efficacy is given to the treatment when taken within five days of the onset of symptoms.
“This helps to prevent hospitals from overcrowding and overwhelming healthcare workers,” he also added.
However, buying these pills would require a prescription from doctors as Paxlovid might cause serious interactions with other drugs but are now considered first-line of treatment for outpatient care.
Gutierrez also said that the FDA has received two product applications for self-administered COVID-19 test kits in lieu of the surge of cases the past days nationwide while waiting for the application of Pfizer for the emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Paxlovid antiviral drug in the last week of January.
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