Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced on Thursday (Feb 3) that it has approved Pfizer’s Paxlovid as the first oral antiviral treatment for Covid-19. This drug is specifically for adult patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 who are at high risk of developing severe illness, helping to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.

Paxlovid, which was granted interim authorisation under the HSA’s Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR) on Jan 31, is a combination of two medicines: nirmatrelvir, an antiviral, and ritonavir, which enhances nirmatrelvir’s effectiveness. The drug must be taken twice daily for five days, starting within five days of symptom onset for optimal efficacy. Clinical trials have shown it can reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death by up to 88.9% when taken within three days of symptoms, and by 87.8% when taken within five days.

The HSA’s approval followed a review of clinical data, confirming that Paxlovid works against both the Delta and Omicron variants of concern. While side effects were generally mild to moderate, such as changes in taste, diarrhea, and muscle pain, the drug may interact with other medications, so doctors must carefully assess potential drug interactions.

Pfizer has agreed to supply Paxlovid to Singapore, and the drug will be prioritized for those at higher risk of severe Covid-19. This approval adds to global efforts, with countries like South Korea, Britain, and Israel already administering the treatment. Pfizer has also signed a licensing agreement to allow generic manufacturers to supply the drug to low- and middle-income nations.

HSA is continuing to monitor the drug’s safety and efficacy, with ongoing clinical studies to assess its effectiveness against new Covid-19 variants.