China-based Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHA: 600521) has entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement with US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Under the agreement, Huahai Pharma will provide formulation contract production services for Pfizer’s COVID-19 therapy Paxlovid in mainland China. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Paxlovid Overview
Paxlovid is an oral small-molecule COVID-19 therapy used to treat adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have high risk factors for progression to severe disease, such as the elderly (over 60 years old) or those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease. The therapy has obtained market approvals or emergency use authorizations (EUAs) in around 70 markets globally.
Market Entry and Distribution in China
In February 2022, Paxlovid entered the China market via a special review procedure with conditional approval. In March 2022, the first batch of 21,200 boxes of Paxlovid was distributed to at least eight provinces, including Jilin, Shanghai, Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Zhejiang, and Guangxi. The therapy is priced at RMB 2,300 (USD 338) per box and has been included on the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL).-Fineline Info & Tech
