(Yicai Global) Feb. 13 -- Simcere Pharmaceutical Group's oral Covid-19 treatment has been released in China nearly two weeks after getting marketing approval.

Xiannuoxin, a simnotrelvir and ritonavir combination, was launched at ceremonies held in Jiangsu and Hainan provinces on Feb. 11, Simcere told Yicai Global. The drug was made available at healthcare centers across China on the same day, the Nanjing-based firm added.

On Jan. 29, Xiannuoxin became China's first homegrown 3CL protease inhibitor pill for Covid-19 to be approved for sale. 3CL is an enzyme that breaks down proteins and peptides.

The oral small-molecule drug used to treat adults with mild coronavirus symptoms is priced at CNY750 (USD110) per box. In comparison, Pfizer's Paxlovid, also a protease inhibitor, retails for CNY1,890 (USD277) in China.

The production layout of Xiannuoxin is gradually developing, and its annual capacity will reach 10s of millions of tablets, People's Daily reported on Feb. 11, citing Yu Qingzhu, executive vice president of unit Hainan Simcere.

Three other Covid-19 drugs have been approved for use in China: Merck’s Molnupiravir, Genuine Biotech's Azvudine, and Junshi Biosciences' Mindewei. They are RdRp inhibitors and Mindewei has yet to be released commercially.

Under China’s Covid-19 outbreak prevention and control policy, coronavirus drugs have been added to the country's medical insurance plan until March 31. Patients covered by the insurance will pay less than CNY100 per box for Xiannuoxin, according to The Paper.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Martin Kadiev