Molnupiravir, the world’s first oral anti-viral against Covid-19, is awaiting clearance from the European Medicines Agency and the US FDA. The company is in talks with the UAE and other countries for supplies of the breakthrough drug.
Singapore has already ordered 2 million doses of the drug and discussions are on with other governments. Once emergency clearance for the oral antiviral pill comes through from local regulators, the treatment, with vaccines could end the pandemic.
The drug, developed in partnership with Ridgeback Pharmaceuticals, reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 50 per cent in patients with mild or moderate symptoms in phase 3 trials. To ramp up supplies and make the treatment more affordable (reports claim the US has paid $700 for one course), the company is working with pharma partners in other countries to bring down the costs that could be as low as $12-15.
The drug works well against all variants of the coronavirus, including Delta, and is tolerated well among the elderly. However, no trials have been conducted on children.
