Molnupiravir, a newer oral antiviral drug, has recently acquired emergency use authorization (EUA) in USA, UK and India. A study provided a practical clinical guideline for using molnupiravir in patients with COVID-19.

A systematic search of the electronic database of PubMed, MedRxiv and Google Scholar until January 5, 2022, was performed using key MeSH keywords.

The following observations were made-

• A phase 3 study in 1433 non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients demonstrated a marked composite risk decrease in hospital admission or death. However, the relative risk reduction (RRR) was only 31%. 
• RRR for death was found to be 89%.
• The number needed to treat to prevent 1 death or 1 hospitalization or death composite were found to be similar to other agents having EUA in people with COVID-19. 
• Molnupiravir was found to be comparatively cheaper compared to all other agents.

Thus, Molnupiravir was found to be a useful agent in non-pregnant unvaccinated adults with COVID-19, having an augmented risk of severity including hospitalization. However, it should be used within 5-days of onset of symptoms. Finally, a 5-days course appears to be safe and not associated with any obvious short-term side effects.

Source- Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 2022;16(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2022.102396.