Covid antiviral pill halves hospitalisations and deaths, maker says

If approved, Merck ’s drug would be first simple oral medication shown to be effective against coronavirusCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAn antiviral pill was found to cut hospitalisations and deaths by half in patients newly diagnosed with Covid-19, in clinical trial results announced on Friday.If approved, the drug made by the US firm Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics would be the first simple oral medication shown to be effective against Covid-19 and a major advance in the fight against the pandemic. Other drugs,such as remdesivir, have been shown to be effective if given early, but all currently approved treatments need to be given as injections or IV infusions.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Coronavirus Medical research Infectious diseases Microbiology Health Science Society World news Vaccines and immunisation Source Type: news