Britain Approves First Oral COVID-19 Antiviral From Merck

• The United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted authorization to Merck & Co Inc (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics' molnupiravir (MK-4482) for COVID-19.

• The approval marks the first oral antiviral medicine authorized to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who have at least one risk factor for developing severe illness.

• In the U.K., Lagevrio is the planned trademark for molnupiravir.

• Molnupiravir application is under review in the U.S. and Europe.

• Merck is actively working to submit applications to other regulatory agencies around the world.

• Related: Merck, Ridgeback File For Emergency Use Nod For COVID-19 Antiviral.

• Price Action: MRK shares are up 2.19% at $90.62 during the premarket session on the last check Thursday.

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