Merck & Co. and its partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced on Friday that six laboratory studies have shown that their experimental drug molnupiravir is effective against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. The data assessed the effectiveness of molnupiravir capsules and other antiviral treatments against concerning strains of the coronavirus. The companies stated that they have not yet tested molnupiravir against Omicron in human studies.
U.S. authorities authorized the use of molnupiravir and other tablets produced by Pfizer in December, and these two treatments are considered important tools in combating Omicron. Pfizer mentioned in December that laboratory data indicates its drug Paxlovid retains effectiveness against Omicron. Earlier this month, Merck stated that its capsules possess properties that enable them to combat Omicron and any other variant.
Molnupiravir has been authorized for use in over ten countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
