From Pfizer to Shionogi, drugmakers race for coronavirus pills

Oral treatments crucial to beating pandemic enter late-stage trials

20210923N brown pills (KYODO)

Merck plans to apply for emergency use authorization of its molnupiravir antiviral pill in the U.S. by the end of 2021. (Photo courtesy of Merck) © Kyodo

NORIYUKI TAKADA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Clinical trials for a COVID-19 pill have kicked off across the world, as pharmaceutical companies work on a simpler and more affordable way to treat patients and help finally bring the pandemic under control.

U.S.-based Merck is working with startup Ridgeback Biotherapeutics on an oral antiviral treatment called molnupiravir. A final Phase 3 trial for the drug is currently being conducted worldwide, including in Japan, and its findings could become available as early as October.

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