The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its nod to Molnupiravir for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 and who have high risk of progression of the disease.

According to a study based on population-level evidence, the recently identified Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a substantial ability to evade immunity from prior COVID-19 infection. Omicron is also considered to be three times more transmissible than the Delta variant.

As countries prepare themselves to fight a possible next wave, The new variant Omicron has been making headline and a surge in COVID-19 cases are evident. One cannot ignore the worst possible threat the new variant poses. In this continuous fight against COVID-19, many scientists and pharma companies have come together and are working relentlessly to transform the COVID-19 treatment. Amongst many treatment options available, Molnupiravir is drawing attention amongst the medical fraternity.

Molnupiravir is easy to take at home, an anti-viral oral pill. Many experts believe the drug may prove to be a game-changer as it will aid in preventing the infections from worsening, especially with the Omicron variant which is quickly spreading. The drug may play important role in delaying the spread.

Molnupiravir has been developed by Ridgeback in collaboration with the pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. The pill has also been cleared by regulators in Denmark, the Philippines, and the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults.

Keeping in mind the high-risk population that may progress to severe disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (AMDAC) voted 13 to 10 to recommend emergency authorisation of Molnupiravir for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults.

According to Dr P. P. Bose, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist National Heart Institute and Fortis CDOC, New Delhi and President, Saans Foundation stated, Molnupiravir demonstrated consistent efficacy across viral variants and has shown promising results.

The drug helps reduce the number of hospitalisations/deaths in patients with mild to moderate disease at risk of progression to severe disease. The drug may be instrumental in stopping the spread of COVID-19 infections and the possible worsening of the condition. As we get the DCGI approval, I hope with the availability of Molnupiravir we are significant in offering an affordable oral drug to treat COVID-19 in India. In India we are expecting this drug to be by a handful of pharma companies, it will be available under different brand names. For instance, Cipla is bringing it under the name of Cipmolnu, there will be other companies also.