Coronavirus Update: Japan Approves Lagevrio, Korea Clears Paxlovid

Plus, Boosters In Japan, Further Vaccine Progress In Korea

Oral antivirals make progress in Asia as Japan issues emergency approval to Merck's Lagevrio in a matter of weeks and South Korea clears Pfizer's contender Paxlovid. Vaccines also move forward in both countries with deals for boosters, new supply agreements and the advancement of home-grown candidates.  

molnupiravir capsules. (Alamy)
New Approvals For Merck's Lagevrio Continue To Roll In Globally • Source: Alamy

As expected, drug regulatory authorities in Japan have granted emergency accelerated approval to MSD’s (Merck & Co., Inc.) oral COVID-19 antiviral Lagevrio (molnupiravir). The clearance came on 24 December following a 3 December filing.

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