Anti-Covid Pill Molnupiravir , US: "From Fda green light to Merck's pill"

By Cristiano Antonino On Dec 23, 2021

Molnupiravir is a drug that works by introducing errors into the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which prevents the virus from replicating further

Green light for Covid-19 antiviral pill Molnupiravir, from pharmaceutical company Merck

This was decided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which issued an emergency use authorization for molnupiravir for the treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in adults with positive direct SARS-CoV-2 viral test results, and who are at high risk of progression to severe Covid-19, including hospitalization or death, and for whom alternative treatment options against Covid-19 and authorized by the Fda are not affordable or clinically appropriate.

Available by prescription only, molnupiravir should be started as soon as possible after the diagnosis of Covid-19 and within five days of symptom onset

The oral antiviral cannot be taken by patients younger than 18 years of age because it can affect bone and cartilage growth.

Molnupiravir is a drug that works by introducing errors into the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which prevents the virus from replicating further.

The Fda points out that molnupiravir does not replace vaccination in individuals for whom Covid-19 and a booster dose are recommended.

In fact, the Fda has approved one vaccine and licensed others to prevent Covid-19 and serious clinical outcomes associated with Covid-19 infection, including hospitalization and death.