Merck Says Covid Antiviral Likely to Be Active Against Omicron

(Bloomberg) -- Merck & Co. expects its Covid-19 antiviral molnupiravir is likely to be active against the omicron variant based on the treatment’s mechanism of action and currently available genomic information, according to a Tuesday statement from the drugmaker.

However, Merck hasn’t yet done specific research studying the antiviral’s effect against omicron. The company has previously found that the drug works for the gamma, delta and mu variants. 

Studies of the antiviral have found that the pill reduced the risk of hospitalization or death for individuals with mild to moderate disease by 30%. 

Merck submitted for U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization of molnupiravir in October. The FDA’s Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee meeting is being held Tuesday to consider the antiviral for use. The drug was authorized by the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency earlier this month. 

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