Merck Sees Options For Molnupiravir Past Pandemic

The antiviral for COVID-19 added $952m to Merck's top line in 2021 and is forecast to deliver $5bn-$6bn in 2022, but CEO Davis sees potential for the product beyond the current pandemic, including potential combinations.

Merck & Co., Inc.'s strong fourth quarter sales were helped by $952m in revenue from the antiviral molnupiravir for COVID-19 at the end of the year, and while the product is expected to be a blockbuster-sized contributor to financials in 2022, CEO Robert Davis said there could be a longer-term commercial opportunity for the product as well.

"We do see potential for molnupiravir beyond the current situation with COVID-19 and the pandemic, given the fact that it...