Britain approves use of COVID-19 pill made by Merck

Published by BBNTEAM at November 4, 2021

Posted: Thursday, November 4, 2021. 8:04 pm CST.

By BBN Staff: Today, Britain became the first country to approve the use of the antiviral pill molnupiravir, the latest drug produced by U.S.-based Merck & Co Inc (MRK.N) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics in the fight against COVID-19.

Britain’s approval of the pill comes ahead of the United States, where advisors of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are scheduled to meet later this month to discuss the issue.

Reuters reports that Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommended molnupiravir to be administered as soon as possible following a positive COVID-19 test and within five days of the onset of symptoms.

“The antiviral drug, molnupiravir, has been closely watched since Merck earlier this month reported data that showed it could halve the chances of dying or being hospitalized for those most at risk of developing severe COVID-19 when given early in the illness,” Reuters continued.

Merck Chief Executive Robert Davis said in a recent interview that the demand for the pill could skyrocket if it is found to be effective in preventing COVID-19 after exposure to the virus.

Merck is projecting between $500 million and $1 billion in sales of the drug this year, which will be shared equally with Ridgeback.

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