New COVID-19 pill molnupiravir is a groundbreaking drug which may aid patients globally. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin verifies Malaysia is in heavy consideration to procure the new antiviral pills. The drug is to be added to the current COVID-19 treatments and alternatives, which includes vaccination.
American pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. has produced a promising antiviral treatment, molnupiravir. It is the first-ever oral medication for COVID-19. The red pill is designed to induce errors into the virus’ genetic composition.
Vaccination fosters the body’s immunological memory to combat possible COVID-19 infections. On the other hand, the new COVID-19 pill, molnupiravir, is meant for virus-infected patients.
Interim clinical trials further verify molnupiruvir’s potency. Patients received either molnupiravir pills or placebos during treatment. The trial shows the pills reduce patients’ fatalities and hospitalisation rates by up to 50%.
Those consuming the placebos exhibited fatal complications of COVID-19. However, patients on the pills experienced only minimal symptoms and hospitalisation.
Health experts insist the ultimate robust protection to fight the deadly virus is the vaccine itself. A complete dose of vaccination will boost your body’s immunity system. It will prepare your antibodies to fight against the COVID-19 infection; something the pills are unable to do. The pills are only meant as a supplementary arsenal to combat the virus and inhibit its spread.
Certification for safe consumption of molnupiruvir among young children and teenagers is still pending.
Recently, Malaysia recorded its lowest daily case figure since July with 8,075 new infections on Monday (Oct 4). Additionally, children below the age of 11 will also soon be administered vaccinations. These news give Malaysians a brighter hope for a future without COVID-19. On top of that, Merck & Co’s newfound antiviral drugs are proof that we are on the right track and robust aid is on route to public distribution.
Together, we will overcome this hurdle.
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