30 Jan SAHPRA registers Paxlovid, an anti-viral medicine for COVID-19
Pretoria, 30 January 2023 – The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has registered Paxlovid, an anti-viral medicine manufactured by Pfizer, to treat COVID-19.
Paxlovid, which contains Nirmatrelvir (150mg) and Ritonavir (100mg), is a medicine that is used for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk for progression to severe COVID-19.
Paxlovid consists of tablets for a 5-day oral treatment regimen, with morning and evening doses. Expected side-effects include hypersensitivity reactions, diarrhoea, vomiting, and altered taste.
A shelf-life of twelve (12) months is approved for Paxlovid when stored at or below 25 °C.
“SAHPRA is committed to fast tracking the registration of all health products that are of an urgent nature such as HIV-AIDS, Cancer, and COVID-19. AS COVID-19 is a looming threat, the registration of Paxlovid heralds a welcome signal in the fight against this pandemic,” indicates SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.