Thailand has finalized the procurement deal for Molnupiravir pills, placing an order for 50,000 courses. Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration is expected to receive documents to authorize this new COVID-19 drug next week, following an expected approval of this medicine by the U.S. FDA.
The Ministry of Public Health has officially signed a supply agreement for Merck’s Molnupiravir pills for COVID-19 treatment with an authorized importer, for a total of 2 million pills or 50,000 courses.
Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand aims to gain access to effective COVID-19 treatment as quickly as possible.
Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Director General of the Department of Medical Services, said Thailand started negotiating the deal with authorized dealer MSD Thailand in July, before the drug’s Phase 3 study.
The procurement contract has been reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General and has been approved by the Cabinet to secure funding.
MSD Thailand is now expected to apply for regulatory authorization of the drug from the Thai Food and Drug Administration, after the expected approval of the drug from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration next week.
After receiving authorization, the company expects to deliver the first shipment to Thailand in the first quarter of next year.
Meanwhile, health authorities are now in negotiation with Pfizer to procure 50,000 courses, or 2 million pills, of Paxlovid drug, which is also pending emergency use authorization from the U.S. FDA. (NNT)
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