Government of Canada signs agreements for COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments
GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 3, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone in Canada from COVID-19. This includes securing effective treatments as they become available. Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada has signed agreements with Merck & Co. and Pfizer for access to their COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments. The agreement with Pfizer provides Canada with an initial quantity of 1 million courses of its COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment, pending Health Canada authorization. Pfizer submitted a rolling submission for authorization to Health Canada earlier this week. Health Canada is prioritizing the review of all COVID-19 vaccines and drugs. Deliveries of these treatments are expected to start following Health Canada authorization of the treatments. Vaccination remains the best way to protect public health from COVID-19. However, effective, easy–to–use and accessible treatments, such as the ones produced by Merck and Pfizer, will be critical to reducing the severity of COVID-19 illness and will help save lives. Quote The Honourable Filomena Tassi Quick facts
Associated links Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Canada's response Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada |