The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved Molnupiravir as the first oral antiviral treatment for people who have mild to moderate COVID-19, and at least one risk factor for developing severe illness such as obesity, old age, diabetes or heart disease.
In a statement, the UK Government said Molnupiravir, which is jointly developed by US-based Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and also known as Lagevrio, will be given twice a day to vulnerable patients recently diagnosed with the disease. The MHRA recommended that the drug be used “as soon as possible” following a Positive COVID-19 test and within five days of the onset of symptoms.
In clinical trials, it was found that the pill cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by half. According to the UK Government, the pill “works by interfering with the virus’ replication. This prevents it from multiplying, keeping virus levels low in the body and therefore reducing the severity of the disease.”
The drug is not intended to be used as a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19.
While urging people to “come forward for their life-saving COVID-19 vaccine “ as well as for booster shots, the UK’s Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, called the oral treatment a “gamechanger.”
He stated: “Today is a historic day for our country, as the UK is now the first country in the world to approve an antiviral that can be taken at home for COVID-19. This will be a gamechanger for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed, who will soon be able to receive the ground-breaking treatment. “
