Photo: VCG

Chinese pharmaceutical giant China Meheco Corp has signed an agreement to supply Pfizer's COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid in the Chinese mainland, it said in a filing on Wednesday.

The agreement allows China Meheco Corp to import and sell the drug in Chinese mainland during the agreement period between December 14, 2022 and November 30, 2023.

Before the news was released, there were media reports that healthcare company 111, inc., a Chinese healthcare platform on Tuesday has started selling the oral COVID-19 treatment in what appears to be the first retail sale of the drug in the country.

According to the Paper.cn, Paxlovid was previously available for pre-sale at the app of from 111, inc. at a price of 2,980 yuan ($429) per box. The products have since been removed from the platform.

People can purchase the medication on the app if they submit a positive COVID-19 test result, according to some media reports.

According to the previous sales record, each user can only buy three boxes. Users in Shanghai can get them shipped on the same day if they place their orders before 6 pm.

111, inc. later denied that it was selling the drug on the platform. "111, inc. does not sell Pfizer's Paxlovid drug online, but provides diagnosis, treatment and medication services to eligible patients through internet hospitals in accordance with national guidance," the company said in a statement sent to Paper.cn.

China's State Food and Drug Administration on February 11 announced the approval of the import registration of Pfizer's coronavirus treatment drug Paxlovid with conditions after an emergency review in accordance with relevant provisions and procedures.

China Meheco Corp confirmed in a statement in March that it would be responsible for the commercial operation of Paxlovid in Chinese mainland in 2022.

Global Times