Drug manufacturer Merck has announced the development of an experimental pill for people sick with Covid-19 that may reduce hospitalizations and deaths by half when taken within 5 days of the onset of symptoms.
The new drug, molnopiravir, has not yet been cleared by federal regulators. It is hoped that reviews of the drug could begin within weeks. Merck says that, once approved, the distribution of molnopiravir will begin soon afterward.
Molnopiravir was studied in 775 unvaccinated adults with mild to moderate Covid-19 who were considered at high risk due to underlying health co-morbidities. Study results have not been reviewed by outside medical experts, a normal step in the approval process. FDA regulators may also consider authorizing the drug for broader use in vaccinated patients who get breakthrough Covid-19 infections with worrisome symptoms.
Ultimately, vaccines and antiviral drugs such as molnopiravir will likely be used together to protect against the effects of Covid-19 disease.
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