US: FDA approves Merck coronavirus pill

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved Merck antiviral pill for coronavirus, a day after “green light” given to a similar treatment by Pfizer.

Merck’s drug, molnupiravir, developed in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, reduces coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths by about 30% for people at high risk once taken in the early stages of the disease.

The body has approved the pill for the treatment of mild to moderate illness in adults at risk of serious illness and for whom alternative therapies are not accessible or appropriate.

Merck pill can be taken at home. Molnupiravir has not been approved for use in patients under 18 years of age because it may affect bone and cartilage growth, the FDA said in a statement.

The U.S. government has agreed to purchase up to $ 5 million worth of drug regimens for $ 700 each.

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Source From: Capital

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