The company said that it would soon apply for approval of the drug on the US market. If the company gets approval, it will be the world’s first anti-COVID-19 drug available to patients. Merck said it will begin talks with the US Drug and Nutrition Agency (FDA) in the coming days.
“The results exceeded my expectations in clinical trials with this drug,” said Dr. Dean Li, associate research associate at Merc & Co. – When you see 50 percent a decrease in hospitalizations or deaths means that the drug has significant clinical potential, he added.
The Merck Pill reacts with the coronavirus enzyme, which is responsible for copying its genetic code and reproducing it. The tablet also works similarly with other viruses.
In clinical trials, both those receiving the experimental pill and the placebo have reported side effects. The company does not give any more details, only said that more reports of side effects came from the placebo group.
The US government has announced the purchase of 1.7 million doses of the drug if it is approved for use by the FDA. Merck said it would be able to produce 10 million doses of molnupiravir by the end of the year. The price of the tablet is not known yet.
The pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Roche Holding AG are also working on a drug for COVID-19.
We are glad that you are with us. Subscribe to the Onet newsletter to receive the most valuable content from us.
(pmd)
–
