In a recent media session organized by MSD Korea, a local professor shared insights regarding the efficacy of MSD's Lagevrio (ingredient: molnupiravir) in treating Covid-19, with a particular focus on high-risk groups.
As the global community continues to recover from the pandemic, the Covid-19 virus remains a severe threat, especially to older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and the immunocompromised.
The session highlighted the persistence of the virus, exacerbated by new variants like the JN.1 strain in the U.S., leading to renewed safety protocols in healthcare settings.
Professor Joo Eun-Jeong of the Department of Internal Medicine at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, a key speaker at the event, stressed the ongoing threat of Covid-19 to vulnerable populations.
"Even now, for the elderly, those with underlying diseases, and immunocompromised individuals, Covid-19 can be a deadly disease," Joo said. "There is a necessity of effective treatment options for these high-risk groups, such as Lagevrio."
According to Joo, Lagevrio stands out in the Korean market as the only oral Covid-19 treatment without known drug interactions, a crucial factor for patients already on other medications.
Real world data (RWD) from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, which analyzed about 950,000 Covid-19 patients from Aug. 2022 to March 2023, also revealed that Lagevrio significantly reduced severe illness and death rates, she said.
Notably, in patients over 60, 70, and 80, the prevention effects were 33 percent, 39 percent, and 44 percent, respectively, indicating higher efficacy in older age groups, according to Joo.
The session also covered international studies corroborating these results.
"In the U.S., during the Omicron outbreak, a study showed that Lagevrio reduced hospitalization or death by 41 percent and death risk by 77 percent in high-risk groups," Joo said. "Similar positive outcomes were observed in studies conducted in the Czech Republic, Japan, and Australia."
Professor Joo also commented on the practicality of Lagevrio, mentioning its availability in a suspension form for patients with swallowing difficulties and its wide applicability, including for those with kidney or liver diseases.
Addressing the press queries about Lagevrio's competitiveness compared to other treatments like Shionogi's Xocova, Professor Joo remarked, "It's difficult to compare since the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety didn't approve Xocova."
The seminar also addressed concerns regarding the discarding Covid-19 treatments due to expiration issues.
An executive from MSD Korea reassured that there had been no such instances for Lagevrio, thanks to the government's careful monitoring of treatment usage.