Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill could be produced in Guyana

GEORGETOWN:

Guyana is open to the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 pill Paxlovid, once it receives approval, and private sector pharmaceutical companies could possibly manufacture it here.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said Pfizer has signed an agreement with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) patent production office allowing countries to use its technology to manufacture the pill.

“We don’t have manufacturing capacity in the public sector for pharmaceuticals, but here in Guyana, there are private companies that would have the manufacturing capabilities, so if those companies work with the WHO patent office and are able to bring that particular medicine to Guyana, it is something that we will want to procure,” he said on Thursday.

However, he noted that even if the drug is not produced locally, there is a high likelihood that the cost will be affordable.

“If that does not happen, then certainly with the amount of countries now that are going to be producing this medication, we are certain that we will be able to get the medicine at an affordable price once production has started, so it is something that we are looking at,” the health minister said.

He noted that the efficacy of the medication was reviewed and it seemed to be working “quite well”.