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The countries racing to order COVID-19 antiviral pill
Countries right around the world are rushing to place orders for a new Covid-19 antiviral pill, despite the drug not yet receiving authorisation for use
The desire to get in early has been sparked by many poorer nations throughout Asia slow-off the mark to secure vaccines, with leaders not wanting to make the same mistake again.
The new drug is produced by US pharmaceutical giant Merck and is being called a potential pandemic game changer.
The company is seeking emergency authorisation from America’s Food and Drug Administration.
The approval would mean that this is the first-ever oral antiviral treatment against Covid-19.
At least eight countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region have signed deals or have begun talks with the company including New Zealand, Australia and South Korea.
The treatment works once a patient is diagnosed with Covid-19… whereby they start a course of the drug over five days.