On 1 October, pharmaceutical companies Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced the results of their new oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19: Molnupiravir. Clinical trial data showed that this antiviral pill reduced the risk of hospitalisation and death in COVID-19 patients by approximately 50%.

IS THE COVID-19 PILL AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC?

Not yet. At the time, the treatment had only recently completed its experimental phase, which focused on unvaccinated adult patients considered to be at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms due to factors such as obesity, advanced age, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

WHO WILL RECEIVE THE PILL?

Initially, these COVID-19 antiviral tablets were intended for patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 but were not hospitalised.

Although the first recipients were expected to be people at higher risk of developing severe illness, many experts anticipated that, as further studies became available, the treatment could eventually be prescribed to a broader population.

The medication is designed to be administered as soon as possible after the first symptoms of COVID-19 appear. Some researchers have suggested that even earlier administration could further improve its effectiveness.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS MOLNUPIRAVIR?

According to Merck's clinical studies, Molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalisation or death by approximately 50%.

Although its effectiveness is lower than that of certain intravenous treatments used for severely ill COVID-19 patients, an oral medication offers significant practical advantages.

Because it is taken by mouth, it can be distributed more quickly and easily, making treatment accessible to a much larger number of patients.

HOW MUCH DOES THE COVID-19 PILL COST?

At the time of its announcement, the estimated price of Molnupiravir was around US$700 per patient, making it a relatively expensive treatment that could present challenges for widespread global distribution.

It was estimated that Molnupiravir would cost approximately 35 times more than an equivalent generic medicine.

WHEN WILL THE PILL BE AVAILABLE?

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) stated that it would first need to carry out a rolling review of Molnupiravir before authorising its use.

At the time, this investigational antiviral represented one of the most promising new treatments against COVID-19 and offered renewed hope in the fight against the pandemic.