Molnupiravir - Merck's Antiviral Pill that can Revolutionize the Fight Against Covid-19

What is Molnupiravir: 

Molnupiravir, an experimental antiviral drug being tested by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, has already shown promise in halving the death and hospitalization rates of the Covid-19 virus. The experimental antiviral drug molnupiravir has been developed to treat influenza and is orally active. An antiviral effect is achieved by the introduction of copying errors during viral RNA replication, a factor that inhibits the replication of viral RNA by this nucleoside derivative.

Drug Innovation Ventures at Emory (DRIVE), a company affiliated with Emory University, developed the drug. After being acquired by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, the drug went on to be developed by Merck & Co. together. Covid-19 led to hospitalizations or death in 7.3% of 385 patients who received the drug, compared with 14.1% of 377 who received a placebo, which does nothing. This study has not been publicly disclosed, and no peer-reviewed results have been published. According to Merck, if the treatment is approved, Covid-19 will be the first oral antiviral drug available to patients.

This ribonucleoside analogue of cytidine is referred to as EIDD-1931 5′-triphosphate (also called ß-d-N 4-Hydroxycytidine 5′-triphosphate). This occurs because the virus's RNA polymerase enzyme uses EIDD-1931 rather than actual cytidine in the replicating RNA. Two forms of EIDD-1931 mimic cytidine (C) and uridine (U), both of which mimic cytidine. It interprets EIDD-1931 as either a C or a U by the viral RNA polymerase when trying to copy it. Consequently, every downstream viral copy becomes infected with an excess of mutations that exceeds its permissible limit of survival. This is called a viral error catastrophe or lethal mutagenesis.

Molnupiravir has some unique characteristics:

  • In the current state of the FDA approval process for Covid-19 treatment, Remdesivir is the only antiviral drug. Under the name Veklury, Remdesivir is manufactured under license by Gilead Sciences and administered by intravenous infusion, so taking it isn't as easy as swallowing a pill.
  • The remdesivir therapy is not effective for all Covid-19 patients. In studies, it has mixed results; it does not seem to reduce death risks, but it seems to accelerate the treatment of illnesses when given early.
  • The World Health Organization recommends against using remdesivir outside of clinical trials for hospitalized Covid-19 patients who require supplemental oxygen, but the National Institutes of Health recommend it for those hospitalized for Covid-19. We are discussing the possibility of returning to normal life, perhaps, with a pill to treat Covid-19.
  • It may be possible to return to a normal level of life by taking the Covid-19 pill. In addition to being easier for patients to use patients need not receive intravenous injections it also works differently, by making SARS-CoV-2 viruses incapable of replicating.
  • Consequently, an increasing number of errors will lessen the virus' replication ability. Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation researcher Dr Mark Denison said molnupiravir is different from Remdesivir due to mutagenesis, the process by which it works.
  • Antiviral pills may be the key to fighting Covid-19 Although we can use Covid-19 antibody treatments to stop the spread of this pandemic, they are not the ultimate solution Treatments targeting the Covid-19 antibody work, but they're 'not the answer to the current crisis.' A vaccine still cannot be replaced by an antiviral pill.

Molnupiravir: next steps

Drug development and finding out who the drug might work for remain unsolved mysteries. Adult patients who were considered at high risk for severe Covid-19-related complications, for example, those who were obese, elderly, diabetic, or who had heart disease, were the focus of the trial. The potential use of molnupiravir for post-exposure prophylaxis is also being investigated as scientists explore ways to prevent the spread of the virus among households where someone was exposed but hasn't yet tested positive.

 

Pharma giant Merck announced it intends to submit applications to the FDA and other regulatory bodies around the world as soon as possible for emergency use authorization.

Molnupiravir is being produced at risk in anticipation of the trial results, and by the end of the year, 10 million treatment courses should be available.

According to company officials, 1.7 million treatment courses have already been sold in the US, assuming the FDA approves Merck products. According to the company, tier-based pricing will be offered to provide equitable access throughout the world and it will partner with generic manufacturers to speed availability in low- and middle-income countries.


Molnupiravir - Mercks Antiviral Pill that can Revolutionize the Fight Against Covid-19   Mercks Antiviral Pill   Mercks Covid-19 pill   FDA   Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 viruses   Molnupiravir   Fight Against Covid-19   Molnupiravir has some unique characteristics  


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