UK Approves Use of Antiviral Medication to Treat COVID-19

The United Kingdom (UK) has authorized the use of an antiviral medication, molnupiravir, to reduce the severity of illness associated with COVID-19. Manufactured by the American pharmaceutical company, Merck, molnupiravir has been shown to decrease hospitalizations and deaths by 50% among individuals with COVID-19. The pill, which is taken twice daily for 5 days, would be the first exclusively designed to fight COVID-19. The medication hinders the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to reproduce. The UK approved its use for individuals with mild to moderate illness who also have at least one comorbidity such as diabetes. Click here to read more.