In the latest Merck’s COVID-19 news, it was reported that President Biden’s government has plans to place an order for another batch of Merck’s COVID-19 drug for $1 billion. A previous agreement in June was to purchase $1.2b worth of Merck antiviral pill, Molnupiravir. This is to purchase $1.7 million courses.
This comes as a result of Merck’s COVID-19 drug producing data showing if given at the onset of COVID-19 related illness, the probability of fatality by the virus is cut in half for individuals in the severe risk category of COVID-19 complications. Merck’s COVID-19 pill reduces the chance of hospitalization as well.
In fact, an industry expert stated that Merck’s COVID-19 pill, Molnupiravir, possesses the ability to successfully battle this pandemic, along with other drugs and vaccines which makes the battle against COVID-19 a collective effort. Merck’s COVID-19 drug joins the fight against the virus in this way.
President Biden revealed that his government had bought millions of courses of Merck antiviral pill rival, Pfizer, as well. Pfizer’s COVID-19 drug shows a reduction in hospitalization and fatality by 89% in the same risk group. Merck’s COVID-19 news further reveals that the U.S. government can place a purchase order for 2 million more courses of Merck’s COVID-19 drug. Currently, the number of treatment doses are over 3 million, which are valued at $2.2b.
A health official said that Merck and Pfizer’s deal negotiations have similar terms that consist of 1.7 million courses to be bought upfront and a possibility for 3.3 million additional courses to be bought at a later stage.
Merck’s COVID-19 news further discloses that for countries in the high income bracket, Molnupiravir’s treatment course will be sold at $700.
By the end of 2021, production of 10 million treatment courses of Merck’s COVID-19 pill is expected, with double this amount expected in the coming year.
Merck antiviral pill is manufactured by bothMerck & Co Inc and its partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.
