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What is the news?
The Indian drug regulator has cleared the first anti-viral Covid-19 pill: Molnupiravir.
What is Molnupiravir?
Molnupiravir was initially developed to treat influenza. Now it is being repurposed as an oral antiviral candidate to treat Covid-19 patients.
How does the drug work?
It works by introducing errors into the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ genetic code, which prevents the virus from further replicating.
The drug has been cleared for the treatment of adult patients with Covid-19 and who have a high risk of progression of the disease.
The drug is not authorised for use in patients less than 18 years, and initiation of treatment in patients requiring immediate hospitalisation.
The drug can be taken orally every 12 hours for five days.
Has any other countries cleared Molnupiravir for Covid-19?
The United Kingdom (UK) became the first country to approve drug regulator Molnupiravir.
US has also cleared Molnupiravir in ‘certain adults’.
Source: This post is based on the article ‘Explained: What is Molnupiravir, the Covid-19 pill approved by India?’ published in Indian Express on 29th Dec 2021.
