Drugmaker Merck Asks FDA to Authorize Promising Anti-COVID Pill

Yesterday, the Drugmaker Merck asked U.S. regulators, Food and Drug Administration, to authorize its pill against COVID-19. This pill would add an entirely new and easy-to-use weapon to combat the pandemic. If approved by the FDA, a decision that could be made in a matter of weeks, it would be the first pill shown to treat COVID-19, instead of all other FDA-backed treatments that require an IV or injection.

Dr. Nicholas Kartsonis, a Senior Vice President with Merck’s infectious disease unit stated: “The value here is that it’s a pill so you don’t have to deal with the infusion centers and all the factors around that. I think it’s a very powerful tool to add to the toolbox.” According to Merck, side effects were similar between patients who got the drug and those in a testing group who received a dummy pill, however, Merck has not publicly detailed the types of problems reported, which will weigh heavy on the FDA’s decision.

Source: NPR