Drug is developed by Merck and Ridgeback

Molnupiravir (MK-4482, EIDD-2801) initially developed to treat influenzas, has been repurposed to treat COVID.

It interferes with the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and reduces the severity of the disease.

It is most effective when used early, recommended usage is within 5 days of symptoms onset.

Pfizer is also testing such a drug and has claimed to show significant results, it is called Paxlovid.

Paxlovid is an investigational SARS-CoV-2-“Protease inhibitor antiviral therapy”. It inhibits viral replication at proteolysis, a stage that occurs before viral replication.