JAKARTA, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Indonesia is "finalizing" a deal
with Merck & Co to procure its experimental antiviral
pills, named molnupiravir, to treat COVID-19 ailments, its
health minister said on Monday.
Results https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/mercks-covid-19-pill-cuts-risk-death-hospitalization-by-50-study-2021-10-01
from a large clinical trial this month showed that the pill,
made with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, cut hospitalisations and
deaths by 50%. Merck asked for an emergency use clearance from
the United States earlier this month.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told a news conference
that the deal is being finalized so that the first shipment of
molnupiravir may come at the end of the year after a visit to
the company in the U.S.
"So that we have enough stock to withstand a potential next
wave," he said, adding that Indonesia and Merck are in talks to
build a production plant in Indonesia to produce raw material.
Budi did not say how many pills are being procured. Merck
did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Merck has signed supply deals for the drug with Indonesia's
neighbors Malaysia and Singapore, as well as Britain.
Indonesia was Asia's COVID-19 epicenter in July, largely
fueled by the virulent Delta variant, although cases and deaths
have largely plummeted recently.
The government said on Monday it is anticipating a potential
infection spike brought by the upcoming Christmas holidays.
(Reporting by Stanley Widianto; Editing by Christian
Schmollinger)
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