A new study published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir COVID-19 patients.

This was a systematic review of literature that searched the electronic database of PubMed, MedRxiv and Google Scholar from inception until October 15, 2021. Additionally, ongoing trials of molnupiravir in COVID-19 were searched from the ClinicalTrials.Gov and ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials.

The results revealed that two phase 1 double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled (DBRPC) studies of molnupiravir showed that a 1600 mg daily dose is safe and tolerable up to 5.5 days. One phase 2 DBPRC study found significantly lower time to viral clearance with molnupiravir 800 mg twice daily compared to the placebo in mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the risk of hospital admission or death – by 50%, was estimated. On the other hand, a significant benefit with molnupiravir treatment in the later stage of moderate to severe COVID-19 could not be detected.

Molnupiravir is first oral antiviral drug that has shown significant benefit in reducing hospitalization or death in mild COVID-19 and could prove to be an essential arsenal in combatting SARS-CoV-2.

Source: Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome. Nov-Dec 2021;15(6):102329. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102329.