Coronavirus: They claim that an experimental pill “significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization or death” | It is molnupiravir developed by Merck and Ridgeback

Pharmaceuticals Merck, in association with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, announced that a experimental pill “significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization or death” due to the coronavirus in adult patients, in a study whose phase 3 was carried out, among other countries, in Argentina.

The oral antiviral molnupiravir dDeveloped by Merck and Ridgeback “reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by approximately 50% compared to placebo for patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 in the positive interim analysis of the study by step 3“Merck said in a statement.

The laboratory clarified that the study was carried out in more than 170 locations in different countries, including the Argentina, in addition to the United States, Canada, Russia, Italy or Japan, among others.

“With these convincing results, we are optimistic that molnupiravir can become an important drug as part of the global pandemic effort, ”said Robert M. Davis, CEO and President of Merck.

The pill is awaiting clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, it will also be sent to other control bodies for approval.

In a statement, Merck and Ridgeback explained that molnupiravir “is a experimental form administered orally a potent analogue of ribonucleoside which inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication, the causative agent of COVID-19. “He added that” molnupiravir was found to be active in various preclinical models SARS-CoV-2, including for prophylaxis, treatment and prevention of transmission. “
How was the study

The pharmaceutical company specified that molnupiravir was administered to patients who have already contracted the virus, and that it has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing severe cases but also in the treatment of the viral variants Gamma, Delta and Mu.

“As the virus continues to circulate widely and because currently available treatment options are infused or require access to a health facility, antiviral treatments that can be taken at home to prevent people with COVID-19 from entering hospitals is absolutely necessary, ”said Wendy. Holman, CEO of Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, a Merck partner.

In a statement released via Twitter, the company said “more tools and treatments are urgently needed to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, which has become a leading cause of death and continues to grow. deeply affect patients “.