SINGAPORE: MERCK (MRK.N) recently announced a collaboration with Asian micronation Singapore regarding an anti-viral medication targeting (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19, for short.
Although still experimental and new on the market, Molnupiravir is a unique oral medication tailored to initiate faults into the viral genetic code. Interim clinical trial data released recently is promising. It shows the drug in action, decreasing the risk of severe infection or hospitalization by up to 50 per cent. The results were so intense that some medical experts monitoring the trial suggested stopping it early.
If the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this drug, it would be the first pill that could actively treat the illness by itself, whereas the other FDA-approved treatments against Covid-19 require an IV or injection.
Singapore’s neighbours, Malaysia and Thailand, are also looking into brokering the same deal. However, it isn’t just Asian countries rushing to purchase the patented drug. Australia has also signed an agreement for the miracle pill.
“The worth here is it being an oral intake pill, so you don’t have to deal with infusions and all those other factors. I think it’s a potent tool to add to the toolbox.,” said Dr. Nicholas Kartsonis, Senior Vice President, Merck’s Infectious Disease Unit.