A package of Molacovir produced in Laos (Photo: Laotiantimes.com) Vientiane (VNA) – Laos is to step up production of its antiviral drug molnupiravir with the trade name of Molacovir to serve treatment of COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. Dr Lahounh Chanthabout, Managing Director of State Enterprise Pharmaceutical Factory No. 3 – the medicine manufacturer in Laos, said demand for the medication is to triple this year, Vientiane Times reports. The factory, which began producing the drug in December last year, has been unable to meet demand because of the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients. The factory is selling Molacovir at 400,000 LAK (36 USD) for one course of treatment, which lasts for five days. The drug pilot programme is targeting people aged 18 and over who have mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and are in the early stages of the disease. To qualify for treatment, patients must not show signs of pneumonia or oxygen shortage. … [Read more...] about Laos bolsters molnupiravir production for COVID-19 treatment
Molacovir
Lao people advised to avoid mass gathering to prevent COVID-19
Vientiane (VNA) – Laos’ Ministry of Health has advised local residents to reduce the scale of festivals and only conduct traditional rituals during this year’s peak festival season in order to avoid mass gathering and prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. In order to ensure people with low income can access COVID-19 treatment drug and minimise the increase of fatal cases, the ministry has proposed the Lao Government assist the production of its antiviral drug molnupiravir with the trade name of Molacovir. The proposal was given in the context of rising demand for Molacovir in the country, while the State Enterprise Pharmaceutical Factory No. 3 – the medicine manufacturer in Laos, hoped to receive support of 50 percent of cost for necessary substances or 30 percent of fee for a treatment therapy. As of January 17, the Southeast Asian country had reported 125,333 COVID-19 infections, with 497 deaths./. VNA … [Read more...] about Lao people advised to avoid mass gathering to prevent COVID-19