Cyprus has sufficient quantities of chloroquine to meet the needs that might arise due to the coronavirus pandemic.
CEO of Remedica,a Pharmaceutical Company in Cyprus, Dr. Michael Neoptolemou told CNA that according to the Health Ministry’s protocol on the use of chloroquine and taking into consideration the international data and scientific research on the drug, Cyprus has sufficient quantities if the need arises.
He said if Greece with a population of 11 million is covered with 24 million chloroquine tablets, then Cyprus is more than covered with the two million tablets it has, based on its population. Remedica, Dr. Neoptolemou added, has already supplied the State with this drug, free of charge, as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The Health ministry’s protocol notes that hydroxychloroquine is first used and then chloroquine to treat coronavirus. Hydroxychloroquine is imported while chloroquine is produced by Remedica. The first is used for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, discoid lupus and systemic erythematosus lupus and skin diseases while chloroquine treats malaria.
The company has also donated 10 respirators, 500,000 surgical masks to be given to medical personnel, nurses and protective equipment for private and other hospitals. His company’s staff and vehicles are also at the disposal of the Volunteering Commissioner for home deliveries of the coronavirus medicine and pledged the company’s readiness to help in the fight against coronavirus.
He referred to the challenges the pharmaceutical industry on the island is facing and said that with the crisis and the availability of raw materials, a number of countries have started closing their borders to protect national stockpiles.
The pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Neoptolemou said, requires active substances for which there is a restriction on exports. At present, the export of chloroquine and erythromycin has been banned in Cyprus. There are controls on exports to ensure the Republic of Cyprus has enough supplies. Although it is very important to have stocks, he said, at the same time, restriction on exports deprives the pharmaceutical industry of a significant source of revenue for the state
