WHO has added Merck’s molnupiravir to its COVID-19 treatment guideline, recommending the drug to those at high risk of hospitalization.
Merck’s Molnupiravir first made headlines in October of last year when the pharmaceutical company released results from its phase 3 study. The antiviral pill had successfully reduced hospitalizations and deaths in the trial. Later, the drug went on to receive an FDA authorization for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. Now, molnupiravir has become the first oral antiviral drug added to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVID-19 treatment guidelines.
According to the news release, the antiviral is only recommended for treatment of non-severe COVID-19 in patients with a high risk of hospitalization. This includes immunocompromised individuals, unvaccinated adults, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic diseases. However, the guideline contraindicates its use in children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Moreover, it recommends sexually active individuals use effective contraceptives while undergoing treatment with molnupiravir. This is because of the drug’s potential fetal toxicity effects.
This is the first oral antiviral drug to be included in the treatment guidelines for COVID-19. As this is a new medicine, there is little safety data. WHO recommends active monitoring for drug safety, along with other strategies to mitigate potential harms.
World Health Organization
WHO’s recommendation is based on data from six trials comprising of more than 4,000 patients. According to these trials, the antiviral had caused an approximately 50% reduction in hospitalizations. And a slight reduction in mortality (6 fewer deaths per 1,000 patients).
The guidelines further updated its recommendation of the antibody combination casirivimab and imdevimab. As per the guideline, the antibody treatment is ineffective against the Omicron variant. Therefore, WHO advises against the drug’s use in people with a confirmed Omicron infection.
Reference:
Rapid Recommendations: A living WHO guideline on drugs for COVID-19, The BMJ, 2022. www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3379
