Merck’s COVID-19 Antiviral Drug Doesn’t Reduce Hospitalization or Death in High-Risk Vaccinated People: Study

A COVID-19 treatment pill, called Molnupiravir, developed by Merck & Co. Inc. and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, is seen in this undated handout photo released by Merck & Co Inc., on Oct. 26, 2021. Merck & Co Inc./Reuters

The COVID-19 antiviral drug Molnupiravir helps speed up recovery from the virus but does not reduce the hospitalization or death rate in higher-risk vaccinated adults, a new study has found.

Molnupiravir, from Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck & Co. is used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 and can be taken at home, twice a day for five days, within five days of symptoms onset.