Dr. Ram Vishwakarma while speaking to a news channel said that Molnupiravir, an antiviral drug manufactured by US based company called Merck could get an Emergency Use Authorisation “within days”. He added that “Five companies are sitting with the drug manufacturer; I think any day we will have the approval of Molnupiravir”.
Another antiviral drug Pfizer Paxlovid could take a little longer to get the approval. Pfizer mentioned that the clinical trials have proven that Paxlovid reduces the risk of hospitalisation by 89 percent in the high risk group patients.
This drug is for treating mild to moderate covid cases.
What are the indications for its usage?
- These should be given to higher risk group who are at a risk of hospitalisation.
- It should be within 5 days of the symptom appearance.
- This drug works on the genetic code of the virus. The experimental studies have shown that this drug has reduced hospitalisation in patients.
What could be the cost of this drug?
Dr. Vishwakarma said that it is estimated to be priced at 2000-4000 rupees for a full drug course. It might come down soon after the availability increases.
UK has become the first country to give approval for the drug
