Oral antiviral appears effective against SARS-CoV-2

A randomized controlled trial of investigational drug molnupiravir in 202 symptomatic adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 found a single pill taken twice a day for 5 days eliminated the virus from the nasopharynx of 49 participants. In the next phase of the trial, researchers will see if the drug helps people recover from COVID-19. Phase 2/3 efficacy and safety studies are now underway. Researchers hope molnupiravir, which can easily be given in outpatient settings, will be useful in preventing severe COVID-19, much as Tamiflu is used to treat influenza. (Medscape article, 3/8/21)