<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently reviewing Merck's Covid-19 antiviral oral pill molnupiravir and a recommendation will likely be made by early February, an agency official said on Friday.</p>.<p>Janet Diaz, WHO lead on clinical management, said the WHO'S Guidelines Development Group is also getting ready to review Pfizer's oral pill.</p>.<p>"We will be looking at that (Pfizer oral pill) data in early February for publication likely at the end of that month."</p>.<p>Late on Thursday, a WHO panel recommended use of two drugs by Eli Lilly, and GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology for COVID-19 patients, adding treatment options as the fast-spreading Omicron variant renders many ineffective.</p>.<p>Talking about monoclonal antibody treatments, Diaz said some monoclonals are showing impaired neutralization against the highly infectious Omicron and may be less effective against it.</p>.<p>However, she said it was not a 'game changer' as multiple therapeutic options are currently available for COVID-19.</p>.<p>"We are also monitoring antivirals for development of resistance."</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>
<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently reviewing Merck's Covid-19 antiviral oral pill molnupiravir and a recommendation will likely be made by early February, an agency official said on Friday.</p>.<p>Janet Diaz, WHO lead on clinical management, said the WHO'S Guidelines Development Group is also getting ready to review Pfizer's oral pill.</p>.<p>"We will be looking at that (Pfizer oral pill) data in early February for publication likely at the end of that month."</p>.<p>Late on Thursday, a WHO panel recommended use of two drugs by Eli Lilly, and GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology for COVID-19 patients, adding treatment options as the fast-spreading Omicron variant renders many ineffective.</p>.<p>Talking about monoclonal antibody treatments, Diaz said some monoclonals are showing impaired neutralization against the highly infectious Omicron and may be less effective against it.</p>.<p>However, she said it was not a 'game changer' as multiple therapeutic options are currently available for COVID-19.</p>.<p>"We are also monitoring antivirals for development of resistance."</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>