The first oral anti-viral medication that reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death from Covid-19 has been approved for home use in the UK.
The antiviral Lagevrio (molnupiravir) has been found to be safe and effective, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced today.
It reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death in people with mild to moderate Covid who are at increased risk of developing severe disease, the body found.
The drug works by stopping the virus from multiplying, meaning levels are kept low in the body, reducing the severity of the disease.
It was found to cut hospitalisation or death for at-risk non-hospitalised adults with mild to moderate Covid by 50%, the government has said.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Today is an 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.”
Based on the clinical trial data, Lagevrio is most effective when taken during the early stages of infection.
The MHRA recommends its use as soon as possible following a positive test and within five days of symptoms beginning.
The drug is for people who have had a positive Covid test and have at least one risk factor for developing severe illness, such as obesity, being over the age of 60, diabetes or heart disease.
Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive, explained the impact Lagevrio could have.
“Lagevrio is another therapeutic to add to our armoury against Covid-19," she said.
"It is also the world’s first approved antiviral for this disease that can be taken by mouth rather than administered intravenously.
"This is important, because it means it can be administered outside of a hospital setting, before Covid-19 has progressed to a severe stage."
