There’s big news with COVID-19.
Merck just announced it would submit its oral, antiviral pill to the US FDA for emergency use authorization. All after analysis shows the drug cut the risk of hospitalizations or death by nearly half in a late stage trial.
That’s game-changing news.
According to the study, 14.1% of those that received the placebo were either hospitalized or died after 29 days, as compared to the 7.3% that received the treatment. Also, according to an independent data committee, trial recruitment can stop thanks to positive results, says Barron’s.
“With these compelling results, we are optimistic that molnupiravir can become an important medicine as part of the global effort to fight the pandemic and will add to Merck’s unique legacy of bringing forward breakthroughs in infectious diseases when they are needed most,” said Merck’s CEO, Robert M. Davis, as quoted by Barron’s.
Should the US FDA issue emergency use authorization, Merck could push even higher. That’s because the U.S. government has already agreed to buy 1.7 million treatments for $1.2 billion.
Even former US FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb has said, “This is a phenomenal result. This is a profound game-changer to have an oral pill that had this kind of effect, this magnitude of effect in patients who are at high-risk who are already symptomatic,” as quoted by CNBC.
Shares of MRK last traded at $82, up nearly 10% on the day.
The post Merck’s COVID Treatment Could be a Game-Changer appeared first on Morningology.
