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Antiviral drug molnupiravir shows promise vs. COVID-19 —Lung Center exec


Molnupiravir, an oral antiviral drug developed as a possible treatment for COVID-19, is showing promise in a clinical trial at the Lung Center of the Philippines, a hospital executive said Friday.

Dr. Randy Castillo, Lung Center’s emergency room and COVID-19 Triage Task Force chief, said the hospital has so far enrolled 11 of the 25 patients needed for the trial.

“Out of these 11 patients, 80% to 90%, we’ve seen the potential of this drug. These patients were not admitted, were just managed at home,” he told ANC in an interview.

“This drug is usually given twice a day for five days so this is a very promising drug for COVID-19 infection,” he added.

Castillo said the phase 3 clinical trial of molnupiravir started at the Lung Center in May. 

Those qualified to participate in the trial are mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.

Castillo said those interested to join the trial may contact the Lung Center through 0915-567-5283 or 0917-899-9610.

The trial is expected to end in September or October this year.

The experimental COVID-19 drug was developed by US drugmaker Merck & Co Inc. and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP. —KBK, GMA News

 

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