India approves use of Merck's COVID-19 pill

India's Health Ministry approved on Tuesday the use of a COVID-19 pill manufactured by Merck & Co. Inc. as part of preparations to face the wave of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the news saying that the treatment, known as Molnupiravir, will be produced in India and used in adult patients. According to research from the United States, Molnupiravir reduces the chance of hospitalization or death due to COVID-19 by about 30%.

Next to Merck's treatment, India also authorized a domestic version of Novavax's vaccine, Covovax, as well as the one developed by local drugmaker Biological E Ltd, Corbevax.

Baha Breaking News (BBN) / ND