A simple coronavirus treatment that can be taken at home has been approved by the government's medication regulator.
Conditional authorisation has been granted to Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck's coronavirus antiviral, the first pill shown to successfully treat COVID-19.
The pill works by interfering with the virus’ replication.
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This prevents it from multiplying, keeping virus levels low in the body and therefore reducing the severity of the disease.
Based on the clinical trial data, Lagevrio is most effective when taken during the early stages of infection and so the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends its use as soon as possible following a positive COVID-19 test and within five days of symptoms onset.
The pill is not intended to be used as a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Today is a historic day for our country, as the UK is now the first country in the world to approve an antiviral that can be taken at home for COVID-19.
"This will be a gamechanger for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed, who will soon be able to receive the ground-breaking treatment.
“The UK is leading the way to research, develop and roll out the most exciting, cutting-edge treatments, and my thanks goes to the expert teams at the MHRA and MSD for this triumph, as well as the Antivirals Taskforce who have procured the treatment.
“We are working at pace across the government and with the NHS to set out plans to deploy molnupiravir to patients through a national study as soon as possible
“This antiviral will be an excellent addition to our armoury against COVID-19, and it remains vital everyone comes forward for their life-saving COVID-19 vaccine - particularly those eligible for a booster - to ensure as many people as possible are protected over the coming months.”
The government and the NHS will confirm how this COVID-19 treatment will be deployed to patients in due course.
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