Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics’ Molnupiravir is a novel antiviral medication. If approved by the FDA, it will be the first oral home therapy for COVID-19.

Molnupiravir, a five-day tablet regimen, looks less effective than monoclonal antibodies. The Pfizer medicine Paxlovid may be more effective. Both tablets inhibit viral replication by targeting certain steps. Concerns about molnupiravir do not immediately relate to Paxlovid, as Pfizer has not yet made its safety data public. Exist any hazards or adverse effects?
Waiting a few days for a test and a few days for findings means the most effective time for these tablets has past.

Will they work against omicron and its variants?
Particular tests pitting the tablets against specific versions are required, say Dieffenbach and Gandhi.

The antiviral medicines target a distinct stage of the virus’ life cycle.

If approved by the FDA, these antiviral tablets might be effective, but stronger antivirals are needed, adds Dieffenbach. “These variations will continue till COVID rates fall,” Gandhi said. Treatments: “They are a back-up.

Reference

New antiviral drugs are coming for COVID. Here’s what you need to know. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/11/30/1059926089/new-antiviral-drugs-are-coming-for-covid-heres-what-you-need-to-know