Overview

• Frankfurt prosecutors say state-procured Paxlovid was exported to China without prescriptions, confirming large-scale illegal diversion.
• A Frankfurt pharmacist is accused of handing out nearly 9,300 packs off-prescription, with eight suspects indicted and two in pre-trial detention.
• Courts have already issued suspended sentences in separate cases, including a Berlin pharmacist over roughly 2,700 packs and a Baden-Baden pharmacist over more than 1,300 packs.
• Investigators describe strong overseas demand, with packs reportedly fetching up to $1,500 in China, creating incentives for black-market sales.
• Germany’s Health Ministry is reviewing possible damage claims after low domestic use—about 15,000 prescriptions in late 2023—while few repayments have been recovered so far.