Health Ministry Asserts Molnupiravir Not Game Changer of COVID-19 Pandemic
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27 October 2021 17:52 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono asserted that antiviral drugs such as Molnupiravir used for COVID-19 treatment was not the game changer in the pandemic handling.
"The game changer is a mosaic established from good health protocols, fast vaccinations, and qualified treatment," said Dante on Wednesday, October 27.
He said the government is striving to meet the domestic need for antiviral drugs, including Molnupiravir produced by Merck in the United States. The drug is reportedly able to inhibit the replication of coronavirus RNA in the initial phase.
"This drug is chosen because based on the Phase 3 clinical trial of Molnupiravir, it can minimize hospital morbidity and reduce mortality by 50 percent in mild cases, yet not in moderate and severe cases," he explained.
Dante said Molnupiravir is similar to other antiviral drugs, such as Remdesivir which is being developed in Indonesia.
"Yesterday, the Health Minister and the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs had a meeting with Merck in the United States and plan to manufacture the drug in Indonesia," said Dante, adding that the Health Ministry and experts are exploring various sources of COVID-19 antiviral drugs for the treatment.
Read: Health Ministry Starts Trial of Alternative Medicine for COVID-19 Treatment
ANTARA