PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Health has issued a notice banning the distribution and sale of the Covid-19 treatment drug, Molnupiravir, by sellers who do not have the official registration number from the Ministry of Health.

According to the announcement made by the Ministry of Health on Monday, 21 February, the Ministry of Health has seen the distribution and sale of the Covid-19 antiviral drug, Molnupiravir, my sellers who have not properly registered with the Ministry of Health. Some of the brand names of the unauthorized Molnupiravir being sold that the Ministry have recorded so far include MERIPIR 400mg and 200mg, MOLUZEN 800, MOLAZ, Molenvir 200, MOLUZIR-US, MPIRAVIR 200mg, Molnupiravir Tablets 200mg and MOLLINHEET.

Pursuant to the Law on the Administration of Medicines, and the Amendment of the Law on the Administration of Drugs, all circulation of medicines for the prevention or treatment of all kinds of diseases must be properly registered with the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry asks people before buying any medicine to check the packaging for the correct license based on these two aspects:

1. The top is the name of the pharmaceutical import

2. The bottom is the Command Number.

The Ministry of Health has warned all citizens to stop buying and using Molnupiruvir without authorized registration numbers, as these drugs cannot guarantee efficacy, quality and safety and may be counterfeit and cause harm to health, or endanger the lives of users.

The Ministry warns, "Anyone who distributes and sells drugs without a registration number or the above listed standards must immediately stop importing, distributing and promoting the above stated drugs."

The Ministry of Health will take strict legal action against those who distribute and advertise drugs without an official registration number, in accordance with the Law on Amendments to the Law on drug administration in force.