EU Recommends Merck COVID-19 Pill for Adults at Risk of Severe Illness

EU Recommends Merck COVID-19 Pill for Adults at Risk of Severe Illness
An experimental COVID-19 treatment pill called molnupiravir being developed by Merck & Co. Inc. and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, is seen in this undated photo obtained by Reuters on May 17, 2021. Merck & Co. Inc./Handout via Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

The European Union’s drug regulator on Friday advised that an experimental COVID-19 pill from Merck should be given within five days of first symptoms to treat adults who do not need oxygen support and are at risk of their disease worsening.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said the pill, developed along with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, should be taken twice a day for five days, but advised against use during pregnancy for in women who plan to get pregnant.