The UK today became the first country in the world to use Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics in the United States to jointly develop oral anti-epidemic drugs, but only people with at least one risk factor, such as obesity, diabetes, etc., are allowed to use it.
The UK is the first country in the world to nod the oral drug molnupiravir, but the exact date of its use is unknown. The United States and the European Union are still under review. This is also the only oral medicine that is effective against COVID-19 so far.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom (MHRA) uses molnupiravir for patients with mild to moderate symptoms.
British Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This is a historic day in our country. The UK is the first country in the world to pass COVID-19 antiviral agents that can be taken home for use.”
He said that this will bring about major changes to the peoples with the vulnerable and immune problems, and they will soon be able to accept this pioneering treatment.
Molnupiravir weakens the ability of the virus to replicate, thereby delaying the course of the disease. According to clinical trial data, the best time to take it is in the early stage of infection. British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends taking it as soon as possible within 5 days of the onset of symptoms.
However, the UK only allows this oral medicine to be used by people over 18 years of age who have at least one risk factor that may develop severe illness, such as obesity, advanced age, diabetes or heart disease. Oral medicine must be taken twice a day, 4 capsules each time, for 5 days.
