This is the current supply of Pfizer, Merck COVID pill therapeutics in Indiana – IndyStar

Indiana has received nearly 7,000 coursesof new medications designed to treat COVID-19, state leaders announced Wednesday, while cautioning that vaccination remains the primary defense against the ongoing pandemic.

During a news conference,Dr. Lindsay Weaver, chief medical officer of the Indiana State Department of Health, broke down the current distribution of new medicines, all of which requirea prescription and which remain in "extremely limited supply."

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Although treatment options have increased, Weaver warnedagainst relying on therapeutics and stressed the continued importance of vaccination.

"It's important to remember that there's simply not enough medicine to go around right now and do not bank on being able to get the therapeutic needed."

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"Vaccination remains our number one defense for preventing severe illness," Weaver said."Please get vaccinated get your booster shot."

Merck Molnupiravir

4,880 courses allocated to CVS and Walgreens pharmacies.

The antiviral pills, taken four at a time twice perday for five days, treat mild to moderate COVID-19 for adults at high risk of severe complications from the virus and for whom alternative treatment options are not available or clinically appropriate. They work best within five days of first symptomsand reduce the risk of severe complications by 30 percent.

1,060 courses allocated to hospitals

These pills -- three tablets taken twice perday for five days -- treat mild to moderate virus cases for those over 12 years old at high risk of severe COVID-19. The treatment works best within five days of first symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89 percent.

984 courses allocated to transplant centers and, eventually, cancer centers

Two injections designed to preventCOVID-19 cases in patients 12 and older with compromised immune systems due to a medical condition or medication, or ahistory of adverse reactions to vaccines. Treatment is only for people who do not have and have not been recently exposed to COVID-19.

Weaver also discussedthree existing treatments:

Gilead Veklury Remdesivir -An antiviral IV infusion used to treat patients 12 and older and available to health care providers through typical supply chains. Studies show a three-day course cuts hospitalization rates and death by 87 percent, the presentation said.

GlaxoSmithKline Sotrovimab -A monoclonal antibody IV infusion used to treat mild to moderate cases in patients 12 and older who are at risk of severe complications. It is not authorized for use on hospitalized patients or those receiving oxygen. The health department allocates courses to hospitals and clinics.

Eli Lilly Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab -A monoclonal antibody IV infusion used to treat mild to moderate cases in anyone at risk of severe COVID. It is authorized for both treatment and post-exposure prevention, but it is not effective against the Omicron variant. The Heath Department allocates courses to hospitals and clinics, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will stop shipping the drug tostates on Monday.

Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 andrappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryDoesPhonics.

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This is the current supply of Pfizer, Merck COVID pill therapeutics in Indiana - IndyStar