Dear Editor,
The Minister of Health very recently announced that Guyana is open to the use of the Pfizer Covid-19 pill Paxlovid, once approved. Much more exciting, is his indication that consideration would be given for the manufacture of the medication in Guyana, as Pfizer has waived their patent rights and agreed to have the generic version of the medication produced by other pharmaceutical companies (about 95 companies are now certified to produce the medication). This would be a welcome development. As far as I recall, the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation did have installed capacity to manufacture generic drugs under license. If they still do, this provides them with an excellent opportunity to produce Paxlovid, not only for Guyana but for the entire CARICOM market.
Apart from the WHO route that the Minister alluded to in his release, I was reliably informed that this can also be initiated through a direct contact by the aspiring manufacturer with Pfizer, who would then pursue the request through the regulatory body of the local company. This is an opportunity that should not be missed, as local manufacture and as a result easier access to such a lifesaving drug, would redound to the benefit, not only of Guyanese, but the citizens of the wider Caribbean.
Sincerely,
Ulric O’D Trotz