Putrajaya has entered an agreement to procure "breakthrough" COVID-19 drug Molnupiravir.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in a statement today that the government has signed a letter of undertaking with Merck Sharp & Dohme, to buy 150,000 patient courses of the antiviral pill.
"Research by Merck Sharp & Dohme found that Molnupiravir can reduce hospitalisation and works against COVID-19 variants such as Gamma, Delta, and Mu," he added.
Molnupiravir can only be used to treat COVID-19 patients, and cannot be used for preventine purposes. Vaccines are still needed to reduce the risk of infection.
It works by introducing errors into the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, and has been hailed as a potential "breakthough" in the battle against the virus.
Several countries, including Singapore and Thailand, have already signed deals to purchase the pill, which is the first oral medication for COVID-19.
Molnupiravir is manufactured by Merck, a 130-year-old US-based multinational pharmaceutical company.
As of yesterday, more than 2.3 million people in the country have been stricken with COVID-19, and over 26,981 people have died from it.
The global coronavirus infection and death tally, meanwhile, has surpassed 237 million, and 4.84 million, respectively.
Photo source: Berita Harian.
Shuman
Thu Oct 07 2021

Vaara Raasipalan I 24th September 2023 - 30th September 2023
Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you! Don't miss Raasipalan, the weekly astrology program on Vaanavil every Sunday at 9am.
Subramaniam Sooryapparad I Saravedi Talk
HEMANATHAN I Saravedi Talk
Capt Murthi I Saravedi Talk
Kabil Ganesan I Saravedi Games
Kabil Ganesan I Saravedi Talk
YBhg Datuk Dr. Ravee Packirisamy I Saravedi Talk
GS Tharmann I Saravedi Games
Tamil Amutham_Week 4
Recap of the top 20 contestants of the Tamil Pechu Potti competition: They will engage in a Face-Off Challenge during the corresponding week of the Saravedi Night.
In Week 4, Thamayanthyi and Pugalini competed to win the coveted title. The event is also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
In Week 4, Thamayanthyi and Pugalini competed to win the coveted title. The event is also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Vaara Raasipalan I 17th September 2023 - 24th September 2023
Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you! Don't miss Raasipalan, the weekly astrology program on Vaanavil every Sunday at 9am.