Dozens of firms to make cheap version of Merck COVID pill for poorer nations – Reuters

Dozens of firms to make cheap version of Merck COVID pill for poorer nations – Reuters

BRUSSELS, Jan 20 (Reuters) - A U.N.-backed agency has struck a deal for nearly 30 generic drugmakers to make low-cost versions of Merck & Co's (MRK.N) COVID-19 pill molnupiravir for poorer nations, widening access to a drug seen as a weapon in fighting the pandemic.

The antiviral pill, which in December received emergency approval in the United States, reduces hospitalisations and deaths of high-risk patients by around 30%, according to clinical trial results.

The deal, negotiated by the U.N.-backed Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) with Merck, will expand output by increasing the number of companies that will produce the drug, after Merck entered into licensing agreements with eight Indian drugmakers in October.