<p>Merck & Co Inc and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics said on Friday six lab studies showed their experimental oral Covid-19 drug molnupiravir was active against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.</p>.<p>The data evaluated the antiviral activity of molnupiravir and other Covid-19 antiviral agents against Covid-19 variants of concern. Molnupiravir is yet to be studied against Omicron in human studies, the companies said.</p>.<p>Molnupiravir and a rival oral pill from Pfizer Inc were authorized in the United States in December and are considered as important tools against Omicron.</p>.<p>Pfizer said in December lab data suggested its drug Paxlovid retained its effectiveness against Omicron.</p>.<p>Merck said earlier this month its pill has a mechanism that can work against Omicron and any other variant.</p>.<p>Molnupiravir has been authorized for use in more than 10 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and Japan. </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>Merck & Co Inc and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics said on Friday six lab studies showed their experimental oral Covid-19 drug molnupiravir was active against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.</p>.<p>The data evaluated the antiviral activity of molnupiravir and other Covid-19 antiviral agents against Covid-19 variants of concern. Molnupiravir is yet to be studied against Omicron in human studies, the companies said.</p>.<p>Molnupiravir and a rival oral pill from Pfizer Inc were authorized in the United States in December and are considered as important tools against Omicron.</p>.<p>Pfizer said in December lab data suggested its drug Paxlovid retained its effectiveness against Omicron.</p>.<p>Merck said earlier this month its pill has a mechanism that can work against Omicron and any other variant.</p>.<p>Molnupiravir has been authorized for use in more than 10 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and Japan. </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>