Government is in negotiation for Pfizer’s anti–viral COVID drug Paxlovid.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh made the revelation in parliament yesterday, following a question by UNC MP Rishi Seecheran.
Deyalsingh said the talks were ongoing, but the drug itself is in short supply in the US where it’s manufactured.
He pointed out that two other drugs approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) were also being considered – an oral immunosuppressant for severely ill people and a monoclonal anti-body by Glaxo Smith Kline, which is to be given intravenously for those at high risk for hospitalisation.
Deyalsingh warned these are not garden variety COVID drugs but they carry criteria for use and aren’t substitutes for vaccination.
He said the government is also in talks with other manufacturers including Merck for its anti-viral drug.
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