Japan to Start Using Merck's COVID-19 Pill Treatment from Next Week

Photo of the COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir released by the American pharmaceutical company Merck. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Japan will start using oral medication for COVID-19 treatment from next week.

On the 24th, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare decided to grant special approval for the emergency use of 'Molnupiravir,' a COVID-19 pill developed by the American pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. (MSD).

The Japanese government plans to deliver 200,000 doses of Molnupiravir to major medical institutions nationwide starting this weekend, allowing patients to begin taking the medication from next week. This is the first time an oral COVID-19 treatment will be used in Japan. It is reported that the Japanese government has currently secured 1.6 million doses of Molnupiravir.

Earlier, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use of Pfizer's COVID-19 pill treatment 'Paxlovid' on the 22nd (local time), and approved Molnupiravir for emergency use just one day later. In response, the Japanese government promptly proceeded with the approval process for Molnupiravir.

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