UK first country to approve ‘groundbreaking’ Covid-19 antiviral pill

London, Nov 4 (EFE).- The United Kingdom on Thursday became the first country to approve an antiviral pill that can help prevent severe Covid-19 symptoms.

“The antiviral Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is safe and effective at reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death in people with mild to moderate Covid-19 who are at increased risk of developing severe disease,” the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said.

Developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), the pill can be taken at home and is most effective when taken during the early stages of the infection.

“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,” UK health secretary Sajid Javid said referring to the antiviral as “groundbreaking treatment.”

Molnupiravir has been approved for people with mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms and at least one risk factor, including age, obesity and diabetes. EFE

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