An antiviral pill found to be effective at treating Covid-19 has been approved by Britain’s medicines regulator Thursday, in a potentially game-changing way of treating the virus.
The world’s first antiviral oral pill, known as molnupiravir, is safe and effective at reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death in people with mild to moderate Covid-19 who are at increased risk of developing severe disease according to U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Britain is the first country to approve the drug developed jointly by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck.
The pill works by interfering with the virus’ replication and prevents it from multiplying, keeping virus levels low in the body and therefore reducing the severity of the disease. .
The MHRA said the decision “follows a rigorous review of its safety, quality and effectiveness” and made it the “first oral antiviral for the treatment of Covid-19 to be approved.”
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Based on the clinical trial data, the oral pill is most effective when taken during the early stages of infection.
As such, the British regulator recommended its use as soon as possible following a positive Covid test and within five days of the onset of symptoms.
The antiviral pill has been authorized for use in people who have mild to moderate Covid and at least one risk factor for developing severe illness, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or heart disease and anyone over the age of 60.
The U.K.’s Health secretary, Sajid Javid, said it was a “historic day for his country as the U.K. is now the first country in the world to approve an antiviral that can be taken at home for COVID-19.”
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
