UK government approves the first oral antiviral drug for COVID-19 called Lagevrio by the pharmaceutical company Merck (active ingredient molnupiravir).
As always it ” follows a rigorous review of its safety, quality and effectiveness by the UK regulator and the government’s independent expert scientific advisory body”.
The drug is an anti-viral, that “works by interfering with the virus’ replication”, “interfering with viral replication, littering the viral genome with mutations until the virus can no longer reproduce” and as such reduces the severity of disease.
As it is a known mutagen, it has the potential to significantly accelerate the rate of mutant virus variants being shed from the recipient! Experts warn, proceed with caution. [1, 2, 3]
Australia has purchased the drug ahead of provisional registration.
The off-patent antiviral’s hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin don’t have big pharma backing, and their benefits and use has been suppressed.