FILE PHOTO: An experimental COVID-19 treatment pill called molnupiravir being developed by Merck & Co Inc and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, is seen in this undated handout photo released by Merck & Co Inc and obtained by Reuters May 17, 2021. Merck & Co Inc/Handout via REUTERS
Merck & Co Inc said on Friday its experimental COVID-19 pill reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 30% in a study, according to data from all the patients enrolled in a late-stage study.
On October 1, Merck said its pill lowered the chance of hospitalization or death by about 50% in patients at risk for severe illness given the treatment within five days of onset. Merck did not provide figures regarding patients getting the pill within three days of onset.
READ: Explainer: How does Merck’s COVID-19 pill compare to Pfizer’s?
Merck’s pill, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, is a nucleoside analog with a mechanism of action that aims to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus. Because the drug generates random mutations into the virus, it is difficult for the coronavirus to evolve and become resistant.
RELATED STORIES
EU watchdog could approve Merck COVID-19 pill ‘within weeks’
US FDA advisers to review Merck’s oral COVID-19 drug next month
Be careful in using COVID-19 drug molnupiravir, infectious disease expert warns