With Covid still affecting the lives of many, one often wonders if there will be an end to this pandemic. Fortunately, companies like Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J have produced live saving therapeutics in the form of a vaccine. Specifically, the MRNA vaccine has been protecting individuals from significant health effects and keeping many out of the hospital. One challenge with this is the new variants that are starting to emerge. Some fully vaccinated people are having breakthrough cases where they are still getting affected by the virus. Another challenge is that there are countries who do not have access to adequate health care. They don’t have ways to administer, store, or pay for the vaccines. This means that millions of people are left without being protected from a virus that has already taken the lives of many. The question becomes, is there anything else that can be done or alternatives that could work better?
This article is written about how Merck and Ridgeback took on the challenge by being one of the first in the process of developing an oral antiviral treatment for Covid. Their motivation was because current treatments options require access to a healthcare facility. Antiviral treatments that can be taken in the form of a pill are critically needed. All the tools to help possibly stop the spread of the virus are critical. This gives countries who have limited access to healthcare a chance. In addition, current results are showing this pill may be effective against variants of the virus including delta.
In the most recent phase three study, it has been shown to be promising. By taking the drug called molnupiravir, twice a day for 5 days, the risk of death or hospitalization is reduced by approximately 50%. Having a vaccine as well as an oral antiviral puts the world in a much better place than it currently is as more individuals would be protected. With this promising news, Merck will be looking soon to submit an application for emergency authorization. This would be a dramatic step in the right direction in lowering the effects this pandemic has had. Additionally, this is being done through a tiered pricing approach which means that the price of the drug will be different depending on the country’s ability to pay for it.
Companies like Merck, Ridgeback and others producing therapeutic options to lessen the effect of Covid are the leaders in changing the world. They are putting all their time and resources into providing a way to slow the spread of the virus. Without them, most of the world would still be in lockdown. They are paving the way to create a future where the virus isn’t limiting the lives of many.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/10/01/pill-to-treat-covid/
Posted by: Z. Conant (1)
I like that you chose a very relevant and serious topic. It is good to know scientists and researchers are doing their best to find new remedies, but the costs are unfortunate like you mentioned.
ReplyDelete- Lara Pereira
great post!
ReplyDeleteIt would honestly be so great if they could really help these countries that doesn't have access to the vaccine with a pill to stop but putting a price on the drug is going to be tough for some countries, if only they could give it out like the vaccine.
ReplyDelete- Selena Yim
I agree, especially right now, the safety of the world is more important than a profit margin. There needs to be a way for those who don't have access to the vaccine to get protected and this is definitely a step in the right direction.
DeleteZach Conant
During this pandemic that we are in we've seen multiple pushes for new medicines to be developed. I had no idea that they were already working on it. It is great to have another option for people besides the vaccine so that they can protect themselves.
ReplyDelete-Jackelyn Raymundo Santizo
I agree, the more ways that people can stay protected, the closer we get to ending this pandemic.
DeleteZach Conant
I think this is an amazing break through with covid. To be able to take a pill as an antiviral will help so many countries and people who do not have access to medical facilities/ healthcare. A pill also would definitely encourage people in our own country who are afraid of the vaccine as well.
ReplyDeletePost by Jessica Ross
DeleteMy professor mentioned this in lecture today and I just remembered taking a sigh of relief. I worked during the height of the pandemic back in March-April 2020, so seeing vaccines and medications being rolled out quickly is so reassuring. Science works!
ReplyDelete-Hannah K
Very exciting topic! I think that at a time where vaccine hesitancy is the major limiting factor between us and herd immunity, an oral supplement to prevent covid-19 could be very helpful. Hopefully, if the FDA finds the pill to be safe and effective, it will lead to the end of the pandemic.
ReplyDelete-Alan Papenfuhs
I agree, it seems that Merck is close to getting emergency authorization which is promising. Some countries including the U.S. already have agreements to purchase the pills once approved or authorized.
DeleteZach Conant
I am glad that you decided on a relevant topic - especially one that hits home for many families around the world. Several other students mentioned this as a potential solve for vaccine hesitancy; however, I believe many folks who are against the vaccination are not against the mode of treatment but instead the contents of it. This is just another angle to take this useful and groundbreaking news from.
ReplyDeleteAs other comments have mentioned, I believe that having the vaccine in a pill form would significantly change the rates of vaccination for the better. For example, some people are hesitant to go to a facility to get their shot with the fear that they could get sick at the facility. With a pill, the vaccine could easily be shipped to their home and have the person take the pill in the comfort of their own home
ReplyDelete