"Lagebrio, a COVID-19 treatment, can only be prescribed to people over 70 years old."

Of the three COVID-19 treatments, Lagebrio's prescription will be limited from tomorrow (27th).

The KDCA said Lagebrio's product licensing process for health insurance coverage has been delayed, limiting its supply to patients over 70 years old in the government's inventory range for the time being.

Other COVID-19 treatments, Paxlovid and Veclurizu, can be prescribed to those aged 60 or older and those with immunocompromised and underlying diseases aged 18 or older.

Health officials explained that while Lagebrio is currently not covered by health insurance and only emergency use authorization is maintained, the out-of-pocket costs paid by patients through state aid are at the same level as other treatments.

Paxlovid and Veclury have been distributed with health insurance since the 25th of last month after receiving product approval, and Lagebrio has not been completed due to reasons for the need for additional evidence, so the government has purchased and supplied them en masse.

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, domestic and international studies of Lagebrio have confirmed that it has a clear effect on the elderly over 70 years old than other age groups.