Photo: Kena Betancur / Getty Images
Monday, October 7
FDA Authorizes Merck Antiviral Pill Against Covid-19
This Thursday, one day after the green light was given to a similar treatment from Pfizer , the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Merck’s antiviral pill for covid – 19.
The oral medication has been approved to treat mild to moderate disease in adults at risk of severe disease, as well as for those who do not have access to alternative treatments or they are not clinically appropriate.
Molnupiravir , the Merck drug, was developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics . Reduces hospitalizations and deaths by 30% , about.
Its use is not authorized for children under 18 years , as the substance can affect the growth of bones and cartilage. This medicine will also carry a warning against its use during pregnancy .
The Biden administration has a contract to purchase up to 5 million of the drug.
“Today’s authorization provides an additional treatment option against covid virus – 19 in pill form that can be taken by mouth, ”said FDA scientist Patricia Cavazzoni.
UK authorized in November the use of monupiravir.
This also interests you:
– USA purchase 10 Millions of Pfizer Covid Treatments – 19
– Cases double in one week omicron globally
– USA marks another terrible milestone: reaches 800, deaths from covid – 19