SINGAPORE has approved Pfizer’s Paxlovid as its first oral tablet for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19 in high-risk adults to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death.

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on its website today said it has granted interim authorisation for Paxlovid – a combination of two medicines, nirmatrelvir (the antiviral medicine) and ritonavir (to maintain the blood level of nirmatrelvir for antiviral efficacy) – on January 31.

“Paxlovid is to be taken twice daily for five days. The treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after a diagnosis has been made, within five days of the onset of Covid-19 symptoms.

“It will be prescribed and prioritised to those at higher risk of severe Covid-19 illness, as directed by the Health Ministry.”

It said data shows that the tablet is well‐tolerated, with incidences of adverse effects being generally low in the clinical study.

The authorisation comes under the Pandemic Special Access Route and in consultation with HSA’s Medicines Advisory Committee. – Bernama, February 3, 2022.