Merck is set to make billions off a COVID-19 pill that could change the pandemic. Here’s why some countries will pay more than others.

Merck is set to make billions off a COVID-19 pill that could change the pandemic. Here’s why some countries will pay more than others.

Merck is walking a tightrope with its COVID-19 pill, expecting to reap billions in revenue while still making the medicine affordable to the world. The pharmaceutical giant's antiviral program . The drug, called molnupiravir, compared to a placebo for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe illness. Merck now finds itself in a position to make molnupiravir one of its most profitable drugs, with industry analysts forecasting the company will make about $22 billion in revenue from the drug through 2030. At the same time, to be an effective tool in the pandemic, it'll have to work to make it accessible to the people who need it the most around the world. Global inequity has been a hallmark of the world's COVID-19 response. Moderna, for instance, has faced criticism that it for its coronavirus vaccine. More than 50 countries and territories, mainly in Africa and the Middle East, as of the end of September. Merck hopes to make billions while not leaving behind the most vulnerable populations. While the US government is paying $712 per treatment course, Merck is allowing generic manufacturers to make its pill for lower-income markets, where they will likely charge