Drug maker Merck asked US regulators to authorise its pill against Covid-19 in what would add an entirely new and easy-to-use weapon to the world’s arsenal against the pandemic, AP reports.

If cleared by the Food and Drug Administration — a decision that could come in a matter of weeks — it would be the first pill shown to treat Covid-19. All other FDA-backed treatments against the disease require an IV or injection.

The FDA will scrutinise company data on the safety and effectiveness of the drug, molnupiravir, before rendering a decision.

Read more from AP here

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