GREAT NEWS: We’ve had an anti-coronavirus drug! They promise millions of benefits – Topky.sk

As the scientist Pavol Čekan said, who pointed out the novelty, this is great news. “In an interim analysis of a phase 3 study, an oral antiviral drug from Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, Molnupiravir, reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by approximately 50 percent compared to placebo in patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 disease.” pointed out.

However, he reminded that it would take some time before patients could start using it. “Until then, but perhaps even then, vaccination remains the best way to protect against COVID-19,” he added.

They promise 10 million doses by the end of the year

The study included 775 adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 who were expected to be at increased risk of more severe disease.

Molnupiravir is an antiviral medicine that is used to control the RNA virus to prevent it from multiplying further. If approved, it would be the first oral antiviral drug for COVID-19. “The results of the preliminary analysis are very encouraging and we hope that molnupiravir, if approved for use, could have a serious impact on pandemic control,” said Wendy Holman, CEO of Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. She described the partnership with Merck as crucial to ensuring rapid global access to the drug.

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The company now plans to apply for emergency use of the drug in the United States as soon as possible and then contact all regulatory authorities around the world with requests.

Merck has already announced that it can produce 10 million batches by the end of the year. He already has contracts with governments around the world. However, the price of the drug is not known.