Merck to Seek Emergency Authorization for Pill That Cuts COVID-19 Death Risk in Half.<br />Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics <br />said that molnupiravir, a pill.<br />cuts the risk of hospitalization or death due to COVID-19 in half, citing a study on Friday.<br />At the interim analysis, molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by approximately 50%. , Merck, via news release.<br />Merck said that it will seek emergency <br />authorization “as soon as possible.”.<br />The drug would be taken daily in the hopes <br />of fighting the virus early and preventing <br />symptoms from developing after exposure.<br />Molnupiravir would be the first oral medicine <br />that fights the coronavirus infection if approved <br />by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<br />The pill would be the second antiviral drug approved to fight COVID-19.<br />Remdesivir is the only antiviral drug <br />approved to treat the coronavirus, .<br />but is only given intravenously <br />to patients and is not meant <br />for widespread use
