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Amid security considerations linked to Paxlovid COVID-19 tablet developed by Pfizer (PFE), medical doctors in nations akin to Australia, Japan and Italy are extra incessantly prescribing the rival COVID remedy molnupiravir developed by Merck (NYSE:MRK) regardless of its decrease efficacy, The Wall Road Journal reported.
If the demand for Merck (MRK) tablet is sustained in these nations, it might doubtlessly result in provide agreements and increase gross sales for the therapy branded as Lagevrio, in accordance with the Journal.
Merck (MRK) and its companion Ridgeback Biotherapeutics gained FDA clearance for the antiviral in December, days after the U.S. regulators greenlighted Paxlovid.
Each oral therapeutics are indicated for prime threat COVID-19 sufferers, and the desire for Lagevrio over Paxlovid in sure locations signifies selecting a low threat of potential drug interactions over decreasing the variety of hospital admissions.
Scientific research have demonstrated that Paxlovid was 88% efficient within the prevention of hospitalizations in high-risk adults in comparison with 30% for Lagevrio.
“Molnupiravir is quite a bit simpler as a result of it’s acquired a few minor restrictions, nevertheless it’s truly a lot, a lot, a lot much less threat for contraindications,” famous Australian Medical Affiliation Vice President Dr. Chris Moy.
In accordance with analysts polled by FactSet, Paxlovid is anticipated to generate $24.8B gross sales this yr, over 4 occasions the forecast for Lagevrio at $5.4B.
Final week, Pfizer (PFE) sought formal FDA approval for Paxlovid.
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