The use of the pill, however, depends on clinical trials and approval from global health authorities, Maleque said in a phone interview on Thursday. The oral drug could be a promising new weapon in the fight against the pandemic, as it can be taken as an early at-home treatment to help prevent COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths. It could also become an important tool in countries and areas with limited access to vaccines or low vaccination rates. The Bangladesh government is yet to make a decision on the use of the pill, Maleque said. Merck & Co and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, which are developing a competing pill, molnupiravir, completed their EUA submission on Oct 11.

Source: bd News24 November 18, 2021 15:42 UTC