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 Molnupiravir is an antiviral drug being developed by Merck & Co and
Ridgeback Biotherapeutics for the treatment of non-hospitalised
COVID-19 patients.
Merck tapped several Indian generic drugmakers between March and
April, including Cipla and Dr Reddy's Laboratories, to expand the
drug's production and conduct trials, hastening its availability in
India to address a second wave of infections.
The partnerships gave these companies licence to make and supply
molnupiravir to India and more than 100 low- and middle-income
countries after approvals or emergency authorisations by local
regulatory agencies, Merck said in late April.
Hetero said the late-stage trial of molnupiravir, conducted at
COVID-19 dedicated hospital sites across India, looked at the drug's
efficacy and safety in patients with mild COVID-19.
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 The data showed the antiviral
drug resulted in statistically significant fewer
hospital admissions, faster recovery time and
early negative SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR results.
Coronavirus cases in India have declined from a
devastating peak in April and May. However,
health experts have said the country should
brace for a third wave by October.
Molnupiravir is currently being tested in a
global late-stage study by Merck and partner
Ridgeback, with the trial data expected in the
fall of 2021.
(Reporting by Vishwadha Chander in Bengaluru;
Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)
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