As the first oral anti-new coronavirus drug molnupiravir (MK-4482, EIDD-2801), the report attracted attention. This drug candidate from Merck has achieved positive results in the interim analysis of the Phase III MOVe-OUT study, bringing the antiviral treatment of COVID-19 to a new level.

Molnupiravir

Molnupiravir (MK-4482/EIDD-2801) is a nucleoside analog discovered by DRIVE (Drug Innovations at Emory), a non-profit organization affiliated to Emory University, which inhibits the replication activity of SARS-CoV-2 than Remdesivir 3-10-fold higher, showing activity in multiple preclinical models of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection prevention, treatment, and transmission prevention.

Clinical Development of Molnupiravir

On October 1, 2021, Merck and Ridgeback announced the interim data of the Phase III clinical study of Molnupiravir in patients with mild to moderate new coronary pneumonia. Mortality was 14.1% (53/377), and Molnupiravir reduced hospitalization or mortality by 50%, p-value 0.0012. In terms of mortality, there were no deaths in the treatment group and 8 deaths in the control group. Merck rose 10%, with a market value of more than $200 billion.

At the same time, stocks of new crown neutralizing antibodies and vaccines fell one after another, with Regeneron down 6%, Moderna, BioNtech and CureVac down about 10%, Novavax down 15%, and Vir Biotechnology down 20%.

Patient Gospel

The advantages of Molnupiravir are very outstanding. First of all, its curative effect greatly reduces the probability of mild and moderate new crown patients developing into severe disease, which can largely reduce the probability of hospitalization of new crown infected patients in the UK, and effectively alleviate the run on medical resources.

Secondly, the price gap between oral drugs and intravenous injections is very large. As the first oral new crown drug, Molnupiravir can undoubtedly reduce a large amount of medical expenditures for the government. At the same time, Molnupiravir is effective against mutant strains such as Delta, Gamma and Mu, which can reduce the threat of new crown mutants.

However, according to the subject population of the phase III clinical trial, it can be concluded that molnupiravir only reduces the chance of severe disease, but does not prevent infection. However, the approval of Molnupiravir in the UK this time shows that its efficacy and safety have been recognized. This is undoubtedly a boon for the world, especially the patients who may develop into severe disease.

Shandong Sihuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise engaged in the research and development, production and sales of new drugs. The factory is located in Pingyuan County, Dezhou City, Lukang Industrial Park in Zoucheng, Jining, and Daren Industrial Park in Hechi, Guangxi. The R&D center is located in Jinan City. High-tech Zone and Qixia District, Nanjing City. The products involved in the field cover antibiotic drugs, cardiovascular drugs, diabetes drugs and anti-tumor drugs.

The company adheres to the concept of "making innovative drugs and realizing healthy dreams", and contributes to the healthy life of human beings. The company has its own unique advantages in the development of pharmaceutical raw materials and intermediate production processes.