Covid pill Paxovir, generic version of Pfizer’s Paxlovid, to be game changer: Speakers

Speakers at a scientific seminar today said Pfizer's new anti-Covid drug "Paxlovid" will be a game changer in the treatment of Covid-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms as it reduces the risks of hospitalisation and death by around 89 percent.

Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd introduced "Paxovir", world's first generic version of Pfizer's "Paxlovid", in the local market on December 30 last year.

The speakers however, warned that physicians need to be cautious to ensure the proper use of this antiviral drug to get the best outcome.

Renowned physicians from 42 medical institutions from across Bangladesh and 30 other countries attended the seminar titled "An Update on Antivirals for Covid-19", organised by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd, both in-person and virtually.

Paxovir can be prescribed to both vaccinated and unvaccinated Covid-19 patients, aged 12 and over, showing mild to moderate symptoms.

Prof Robed Amin, a medicine specialist and line director of the non-communicable disease control at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), presented a keynote speech on the anti-viral drugs for Covid-19 introduced so far.

Prof Robed Amin, a medicine expert and line director of the Directorate General of Health Services, presents a keynote at a scientific seminar titled "An Update on Antivirals for Covid-19", organised by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Photo: Rashed Shumon

"The outcome is better if Paxovir is given to the patients within three days of the onset of symptoms. It reduces the viral load. The drug has emerged as a lifesaver during the emergence of the new variant (Omicron)," Prof Robed Amin said.

Prof MA Faiz, former director general of the DGHS, said, "To win over the coronavirus, there is a need for effective drugs at the very beginning of infection. This is very good that drugs like Paxovir are being available in the market."

Mentioning that Paxovir will play a role to reduce the deaths, Prof Nazmul Islam, director of communicable disease control at the DGHS, lauded Eskayef for introducing the drug in local market.

"However, it is urgent to stay alert to avoid misuse and indiscriminate use of the drug."

He also said that the DGHS will publish updated treatment protocols for Covid-19 infection shortly.