The antiviral pill Molnupiravir, known as Lagevrio, will be the first home treatment for Covid and is expected to be rolled out to patients by the holidays to combat the spread of the Omicron variant. Health Secretary Sajid Javid is due to announce the launch after the UK drugs regulator became the first in the world to approve the pill last month, according to the Telegraph.
Once launched, the NHS is expected to provide the antiviral pill to clinically vulnerable and immunocompromised patients who have tested positive for Covid.
Sources from Whitehall said the delivery of the antiviral pill has become “even more important” as the Omicron variant spreads across the country.
Mr Javid said the approval of the pill marked a “historic day”.
He said: “The UK is now the first country in the world to approve an antiviral that can be taken at home for COVID-19.
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“This will be a game-changer for the most vulnerable and the immunocompromised, who will soon be able to receive the revolutionary treatment. “
Molnupiravir interferes with the virus’s ability to replicate, which means it is less able to multiply and reach levels high enough in the respiratory system to cause serious illness.
Because the drug is most effective when given in the early stages of infection, the Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends that it be used as soon as possible after a positive test and within five days after the onset of symptoms.
The drug is approved for people with mild to moderate Covid and at least one risk factor for developing serious illness, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or being over 60 years old.
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Dr June Raine, Executive Director of the MHRA, said: “Following a rigorous review of the data by our expert scientists and clinicians, we are satisfied that Lagevrio [molnupiravir] is safe and effective for those at risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease and has been approved for use.
“Lagevrio is another therapy to add to our arsenal against COVID-19. It is also the world’s first approved antiviral for this disease that can be taken orally rather than given intravenously.
“This is important because it means that it can be administered outside of a hospital, before COVID-19 reaches a severe stage. “
The news of the antiviral pill comes after tighter travel restrictions were put in place, forcing fully vaccinated UK arrivals to present a pre-departure test, as well as a second-day Covid test.
However, Grant Shapps, Transportation Secretary, warned that the new restrictions could “kill the travel industry again.”
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