By Staff Reporter

THE UK has approved anti-viral pill that can treat asymptomatic Covid-19 patients, becoming the first country in the world to do so.

Molnupiravir, developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), it is designed to interfere with the virus and avoid its replication within the body.

In a statement, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said trials had produced pleasing promising results that showed it was safe and effective at reducing the risk of hospital admission and death in people with mild to moderate Covid-19.