Yes. In the Philippines, Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) and Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) are the clinical trial sites for the study of Molnupiravir as a preventive treatment for those exposed to others have tested positive for COVID-19.
What is Molnupiravir?
Molnupiravir is an investigational oral antiviral therapeutic of a potent ribonucleoside analog that inhibits the replication of multiple RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Molnupiravir is active in several preclinical models of SARS-CoV-2, including for prophylaxis, treatment, and prevention of transmission, as well as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS.
Read Bulacan COVID-19 Virus Journal Log Book (From First Case up to June 2020)
This drug may prevent patients’ hospitalization or be used to prevent COVID-19 from getting worse. Molnupiravir has clinical trial sites globally and in the Philippines. Clinical trials are essential in discovering treatment options in COVID-19. They are looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical trial for a possible treatment for adults with COVID-19.
Merck & Co. and Ridgeback Therapeutics developed this drug. Merck & Co. is known locally as MSD. Previous media releases indicate that Faberco Life Sciences Inc. will distribute Molnarz and RiteMed Philippines Inc., selected by Merck & Co. licensed manufacturer Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. to import the drug.
Is Molnupiravir approved by FDA?
Yes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization for Molnarz, a brand of the antiviral molnupiravir, last December 2021. The Philippines’ drug regulator has given the first emergency use authorization for the anti-COVID pill, allowing more extensive use of the previously only available drug through select health facilities.
Who is eligible to participate in the study?
- Males and females 18 years of age of older who do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 and line in the same house as someone that:
- Received a positive test for COVID-19 within the last five days;
- Has at least one sign or symptom of COVID-19 and has not had those signs of symptoms for more than five days; and
- Is not currently hospitalized.
- Participants are expected to continue to live with the person with COVID-19 for the duration of the study.
- People who are unvaccinated or have NOT received first dose of COVID-19 vaccine within the last 7 days.
- People who never had COVID-19 and do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
Do you have a housemate who tested positive for COVID? If you are 18 years of age or older have no symptoms of COVID-19, you may be able to help with a clinical trial for Molnupiravir-an oral drug that can fight COVID.
Call the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) for more details using the following numbers: 0968 558 3091/0927 007 6602. You can also call the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) at 0917-841-3314.
Disclaimer: Participation in the clinical trial is voluntary. While some patients enrolled in the study will receive molnupiravir, others will receive a placebo. Study investigators will explain what the investigational drug is, its potential benefits, its side effects, how it is administered, and when is the monitoring period.
For more information, please visit https://msdcovidresearch.com/move-ahead/ph-tl/.
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19
Fever, Chills, Cough, Sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty with exertion, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle or body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell.
Sources:
- BrandRoom, I. N. Q. U. I. R. E. R. (2021, December 1). MSD and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announce initiation of pivotal phase 3 move-ahead study evaluating molnupiravir for post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 infection. INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from https://globalnation.inquirer.net/200789/msd-and-ridgeback-biotherapeutics-announce-initiation-of-pivotal-phase-3-move-ahead-study-evaluating-molnupiravir-for-post-exposure-prophylaxis-of-covid-19-infection
- Crismundo, K. (2022, January 7). Local firm eyes manufacture of covid-19 drug molnupiravir. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164797
- Crismundo, K. (2022, January 13). Locally produced Covid Drug molnupiravir can cut prices up to 50%. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1165302
- Gregorio, X. (2021, December 23). Philippines grants first emergency approval for anti-COVID Pill. Philstar.com. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/12/23/2149699/philippines-grants-first-emergency-approval-anti-covid-pill
- Crisostomo, S. (2021, December 6). 89 hospitals using Covid-19 Pill molnupiravir – doh. Philstar.com. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/12/07/2146180/89-hospitals-using-covid-19-pill-molnupiravir-doh