November 07, 2021 19:56 PM
The antiviral drug molnupiravir jointly developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapy
[International Online]The British government announced on November 4 that the country’s drug regulatory agency has approved the world‘s first oral anti-coronavirus drug. The drug can be taken at home and can reduce the chance of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 becoming severe, thereby reducing their risk of hospitalization and death.
According to US media, this drug will provide a much-needed weapon for the United Kingdom to fight the new crown epidemic, and the United States and other countries may follow the example of the United Kingdom.
Merck also stated that the British Drugs and Health Products Regulatory Authority approved the drug for the treatment of mild to moderate adult patients with new coronary disease who have tested positive for new coronary disease and have at least one risk factor for developing severe disease.
The Wall Street Journal of the United States stated that the United Kingdom was the first country to approve the drug, which can be taken at home, and promised that patients with the new crown would not go to the hospital for treatment. As winter approaches, this drug will provide a much-needed “weapon” for Britain to fight the new crown epidemic.
British Health Secretary Javid said in a statement posted online that this approval marks “a historic day for our country, because the UK is now the first country in the world to approve this oral anti-coronavirus drug that can be taken at home. “
This medicine will be called Lagevrio in the UK. According to the British government, Lagevrio works by interfering with the replication of the new coronavirus. By preventing the proliferation of the virus, this drug will help keep the virus in the body at a low level, reduce symptoms and reduce the impact of the virus.
Data from clinical trials show that administration in the early stages of infection is the most effective. Therefore, the British drug regulatory agency recommends that patients take the medicine as soon as possible within 5 days of the onset of symptoms after testing positive for the new crown.
.