The oral pill makes it easy to give, unlike injectables like anti-viral remdesivir, extensively used at one point of time. Some doctors still see benefits in remdesivir, though the World Health Organization has since dropped it from its recommendations. Merck has voluntary licensing agreements with a host of major Indian drug companies, including Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Hetero, Emcure, Aurobind, Torrent etc. In the UK, molnupiravir has been authorised for use in people who have mild to moderate Covid-19 and at least one risk factor for developing severe illness. Most therapies available now are to treat the infection at different stages – and do not target prevention.

Source: The Hindu November 21, 2021 14:25 UTC