Covid-19 Antiviral Pill Plant to be Developed in Indonesia, Senior Minister Says

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Indonesia is expected to enter into an agreement with US pharmaceutical company Merck & Co Inc, to build the Covid-19 antiviral pill plant.

“We have almost completed [the draft of agreement] to build the plant in Indonesia,” Luhut said on Friday, November 12.

Once the agreement is done, Molnupiravir, the oral Covid-19 antiviral medicine could be locally produced in Indonesia.

“So, we pray for the final process, the result should be okay,” he said.

Also read: Delta Plus Covid Variant Not Detected in Indonesia, Health Minister Says

Luhut added that the production of the medicine would be able to support the government’s efforts in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Once Molnupiravir is available in the country, this medicine can treat the Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms.

“Molnupiravir can help cure the Covid-19 patients in the early stages or early detection. It is hoped that within five days, the medicine could heal the patients with a fairly high success rate,” he said.

The media reported that the production of Molnupiravir aims to prevent mild to moderate Covid-19 cases from becoming severe. It is said to be taken twice a day for five-day treatment.

(Writer: Rully R. Ramli | Editor: Yoga Sukmana)

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2021/11/13/150000326/luhut-sebut-pabrik-molnupiravir-bakal-dibangun-di-indonesia.