South Korea authorised for emergency use Pfizer's antiviral pills targeting COVID-19 as the first of its kind to be introduced in South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said on Monday.
South Korea restored tough distancing curbs last week after easing them in November, after a series of record daily new infections and serious cases stretched medical services, despite a vaccination rate of over 92 per cent for those aged 18 or older.
Pfizer's oral antiviral treatment, called Paxlovid, is "expected to help prevent serious deterioration of patients admitted to residential treatment centers or being treated at home," by diversifying coronavirus treatments beyond injections currently used in the field, drug safety minister Kim Gang-lip told a press briefing.
The drug will be used for adults or children 12 years or older weighing over 40 kilograms with mild to moderate symptoms with a high risk of developing a severe case of coronavirus due to causes such as underlying diseases.
Another oral coronavirus treatment called molnupiravir, developed by Merck and known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, applied for emergency use earlier this month, but the ministry is still reviewing as they need additional info on efficacy, Kim said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
World Patient Safety Day 2024: Theme, History, Importance & Significance World Liberty Financial: Donald Trump Unveils Crypto Business, Offers Little Detail "Dream Job" - Foodies React To Viral Video By Judge Of Tiramisu World Cup 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel China, Russia Concerned About India-US Relationship: Top American Diplomat 'Pager Bombs' Target Hezbollah In Lebanon. What We Know So Far - 5 Points Liquor, Drugs Worth Rs 26.82 Crore Seized In Haryana Since Poll Code UN Says Lebanon Pager Blasts 'Extremely Concerning Escalation' Kamala Harris Calls For End To War In Gaza, No Israeli Reoccupation Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.