Manila receives 40k molnupiravir capsules

Manila received 40,000 capsules of the COVID-19 drug molnupiravir on Tuesday.

Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso handed over 120 bottles containing 40 capsules each to the Manila Covid-19 Field Hospital at Quirino Grandstand.

The rest of the capsules will be stored at Sta. Ana Hospital for use by the city’s six district hospitals.

Manila purchased molnupiravir in October for PHP87.50 per capsule and received a Compassionate Special Permit from the Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Edsel Salvaña, a member of DOH's Technical Advisory Group, warned about long-term use risks and emphasized that it is currently only for high-risk populations with confirmed mild/moderate infections under compassionate use for 5 days.