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The drug in question is an experimental drug called molnupiravir, which Merck has been working on with another US pharmaceutical company, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.
In early October, Merck announced the successful completion of clinical trials of the drug. At the time, it was reported to be the world's first pill which, unlike vaccines, does not simply reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus infection, but fights the disease.
Merck has applied for approval for the use of molnupiravir in emergency situations, the same fast-track approval originally received by the FDA for all COVID-19 vaccines.
According to the company, the pills reduce the likelihood of hospitalization for patients with the coronavirus by around 50%. If the pills are quickly approved by the FDA, they could be on sale in the US by the end of the year. The company has already agreed with the US government to supply molnupiravir, needed to treat 1.7 million people, for $700 per course.
source: cnn.com
In early October, Merck announced the successful completion of clinical trials of the drug. At the time, it was reported to be the world's first pill which, unlike vaccines, does not simply reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus infection, but fights the disease.
Merck has applied for approval for the use of molnupiravir in emergency situations, the same fast-track approval originally received by the FDA for all COVID-19 vaccines.
According to the company, the pills reduce the likelihood of hospitalization for patients with the coronavirus by around 50%. If the pills are quickly approved by the FDA, they could be on sale in the US by the end of the year. The company has already agreed with the US government to supply molnupiravir, needed to treat 1.7 million people, for $700 per course.
source: cnn.com