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Merck’s Molnupiravir: Second COVID Pill Is Second-Line, But Timing Helps Both Sponsor And US FDA

 
• By Nielsen Hobbs

After lengthy review, Merck’s antiviral gets very restricted indication as part of its EUA, apparently reflecting concerns over safety and efficacy. But molnupiravir does appear to have some advantages over Pfizer’s Paxlovid – including that more of it will be available in the short term.

Molnupiravir capsules and bottle (Merck)
MOLNUPIRAR’S DOSING SCHEDULE IS FOUR PILLS, TWICE A DAY, FOR FIVE DAYS. • Source: Merck

The timing of the US Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization for Merck & Co., Inc.’s COVID-19 treatment molnupiravir appears to have allowed the agency to craft a less complicated indication – though still not one that’s particularly favorable to the product.

Molnupiravir got its EUA on 23 December after a 74-day review – the second longest EUA review ever for a...

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