Thousands upon thousands of Paxlovid packets have reached their expiration date.
Around 420,000 packs of the previously celebrated "game-changer" medication, Paxlovid, have been held by the federal government past their expiration date. In February 2022, the federal government acquired a million packs centrally.
"Currently, unused stock that has surpassed its expiration date is being held in isolation," a representative from the Federal Ministry of Health stated to the Funke Media Group. It seems unlikely that these medications will be utilized. "The shelf life of Paxlovid has been extended twice, from 12 to 24 months after its initial approval. No further extension is currently being considered by the pharmaceutical company. The stock of Paxlovid procured by the ministry had an expiration date until the end of February 2024," the representative explained.
The ministry did not disclose the value of the stored stock. According to investigations by WDR, NDR, and "Süddeutsche Zeitung," the federal government paid around 650 euros per pack. This equates to approximately 273 million euros for the 420,000 packs.
Paxlovid is a type of antiviral medication produced by the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Its intended use is to prevent severe disease courses, particularly in high-risk patients over 65 years old. "Since mid-January 2024, the drug Paxlovid has been introduced into the market as part of routine care by Pfizer," the ministry representative stated. Health insurance companies are the ones responsible for the payment. According to AOK Rhineland/Hamburg, the current cost of a pack is 1,149.19 euros.
Despite the federal government acquiring a large stock of Paxlovid for vaccination against the coronavirus, a significant portion of it has expired and remains unused. The extension of Paxlovid's shelf life to 24 months after its initial approval has not prevented the situation with the expired stocks.
