Singapore OKs Pfizer’s Paxlovid to Treat COVID-19

Singapore authorised the use of Pfizer’s first oral tablet, Paxlovid, to treat adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at risk of developing severe symptoms, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced on Feb. 3.

When a patient has been diagnosed with the virus, he or she should take the Paxlovid pill twice a day for five days. According to the HSA’s review of clinical data, the pill reduces the risk of infection or COVID-19-related death by 87.8% when given within the incubation period of about five to six days (including the Delta variant). When given three days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, the pill reduces the risk of death or hospitalisation by 88.9%.

The oral medicine was approved under the Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR) last Jan. 31. According to Singapore HSA, PSAR-approved vaccines, medicines, and medical devices can be terminated anytime when it involves greater risk than protection.