A ‘game-changing’ drug to treat coronavirus has been approved for use in the UK by the national medicines regulator.
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is an oral antiviral drug that has been deemed to be safe and effective at reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death in people most at risk from Covid.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that it reviewed the pill's safety, quality and effectiveness when coming to its decision.
The drug, which has been developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck Sharp & Dohme, works by interfering with the virus’ replication.
Experts say - this prevents the virus from multiplying and keeping Covid levels low in the body which reduces it severity.
The MHRA recommends - the drug should be used as soon as possible following a positive test and within five days of the relevant symptoms.
Lagevrio is said to be at its most effective when taken during the early stages of infection.
The decision made by the MHRA means that the UK has become the first country in the world to approve an antiviral drug that can be taken at home for Covid.
The UK Government’s Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said - the news of its approval is a ‘historic day’ in the country’s fight against Covid.
He said: “This will be a game-changer 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.”
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