Another weapon in the fight against COVID-19 has been granted government approval.
Health Canada has given its approval to Pfizer to distribute the antiviral pill, Paxlovid, as a treatment for certain COVID-19 patients.
The drug is approved for use by adults with mild to moderate symptoms of the virus, according to Health Canada. The course involves two pills taken in five days and is best effective if the first dose is given within five days of the onset of symptoms.
"We are very proud to share this news with Canadians today," said Pfizer Canada's Hospital Business Unit Leader Kevin Mohamed. "As our healthcare system and hospitals face significant pressures in this ongoing pandemic, this new treatment will provide a new option in the management of COVID-19.”
Clinical tests from Pfizer have shown that Paxlovid is highly effective in reducing the number of COVID-related hospitalizations.
Health Canada stated over a million courses of the drug have been ordered, but it is not clear when or how distribution across Canada will take place. The Ontario Ministry of Health, though, has welcomed the news.
"We expect to receive approximately 10,000 courses of treatment from the federal government in January with details on the timing of shipments to be confirmed," said Ministry of Health spokesperson Alexandra Hilkene. "Based on the limited supply we expect to receive from the federal government, we have worked with our hospital partners and are prepared for the distribution of antivirals at 15 sites across the province as soon we receive them. Courses will initially be prioritized for adults with the highest risk of severe outcomes, including immunocompromised patients, and could help keep thousands of people out of our hospitals."
The drug has not been approved for use in children or teens. It will also not be given to patients already in hospital for COVID-19.
Complete information on the drug and the clinical trials can be found on the official Pfizer Canada website.
