Bahrain approves use of Pfizer's Covid-19 antiviral drug

Bahrain's health authorities authorised Pfizer's Paxlovid Covid-19 drug for emergency use in adults aged over 18, the state news agency said in a statement on Saturday.

The decision by the National Authority for Regulating Health Professions and Services was based on the review and evaluation of data provided by Pfizer, the statement added.

Paxlovid consists of two co-packaged antiviral medicines – PF-07321332 and Ritonavir – designed to stop the virus that causes Covid-19 from multiplying in the body and to help those infected overcome the infection.

In late December, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the emergency use of Paxlovid to treat "mild to moderate" coronavirus cases in adults and children over 12 years old weighing at least 40kg.

The move came after Bahrain's health ministry announced it has closed four restaurants in various parts of the country for violating precautionary measures against coronavirus.

The ministry ordered the "administrative closure" of restaurants in the capital Manama, the Northern Governorate and Muharraq on 28 December, state news agency BNA reported.

Inspections have been stepped up recently to ensure that facilities adhere to the "yellow alert" level that came into effect on 19 December and will continue until 31 January.

Bahrain’s health ministry said 615 new cases were reported in the 24-hour reporting period, including 105 related to travel.