ET Online
Oct 5, 2021
Merck says Molnupiravir cuts risk of hospitalisation and death by 50% in Covid patients.
Image Source: AP
The pills are meant for people who are sick with Covid but are not in hospital.
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The pills are to be taken as soon as possible once a person shows symptoms.
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Its 50% efficacy is lower than monoclonal antibodies, which has 85% efficacy.
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Antiviral pills can reach more people, much faster than IV antibodies.
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Merck will seek emergency authorisation for the pills to be used in the US.
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Patients will take four capsules twice a day for five days — 40 overall.
Image Source: AP
Molnupiravir inserts errors in the virus' genetic code, and stops it from replicating.
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Pfizer is developing a similar pill, as are Atea Pharmaceuticals and Roche.
Image Source: AFP
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