Study Molnupiravir Drug For COVID-19, Task Force: Our Goal Is To Increase Recovery As High As Possible

COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito (Photo: BNPB doc)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, explained the government's reason for reviewing the drug molnupiravir to treat COVID-19 patients. Wiku said, the goal is to improve the healing of COVID-19.

"In principle, Indonesia is open to various types of treatment, because our sole goal is to increase healing as high as possible," said Wiku in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, October 5.

Currently, the government is conducting clinical trials of the drug molnupiravir. Wiku said this is a step that must be passed to be able to use the drug in Indonesia.

"Regarding clinical trials, this stage is an obligation that must be carried out before drugs are suitable for use by the general public. In the future, the government will update the development of drugs and health materials to support COVID-19," he said.

Previously, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said his party together with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) and a number of vertical hospitals were conducting studies and clinical trials of new drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

One of the drugs being studied is a new antiviral drug, Molnupiravir, produced by the Merck company. "We have approached the manufacturers of these drugs and we have planned for some to have started clinical trials," said Budi.

After clinical trials are carried out, Budi hopes that by the end of this year the new drugs can be used on COVID-19 patients.

"Hopefully by the end of this year we will know which medicines are suitable for the condition of our society," he said.