India health official says Merck Covid pill has 'major safety concerns'

Merck drug, called molnupiravir. Credit: Reuters Photo

India has not added Merck's Covid-19 pill in its national treatment protocol for the disease due to some "major safety concerns", a senior health official told a media briefing on Wednesday.

"We have to remember that this drug has major safety concerns ... so it is not included in the national task-force treatment," Balram Bhargava, head of the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research, said.

Also Read | India approves two new Covid-19 vaccines, an oral pill: All you need to know

Indian drugmaker Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd plans to launch its generic version of the Merck drug, called molnupiravir, from early next week.

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