THIS IS THE NEWS OF THE CENTURY
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/10/meet-molnupiravir-mercks-thor-inspired-pill-that-hammers-covid/
https://www.statnews.com/2021/10/01/mercks-antiviral-pill-reduces-hospitalization-of-covid-patients-a-possible-game-changer-for-treatment/
Do you know why this is the biggest news of my lifetime? Because this drug works against _most_ cold viruses, not just Covid. It works against all (known) forms of SARS and MERS.
The drug, named after Thor's hammer, actively kills the virus by fouling up the RNA replication process. The details are in the articles I've linked.
There are other great things about the current situation. The USFDA sets a very high bar for antiviral drugs, which allegedly has hampered a cure for the common cold (Drug companies say that technology has progressed by the FDA has not). Anyway, a cure for Covid will push the FDA in a corner and this drug will be approved for human use and then... hurray? Who knows, but hey, I've been miserable with a cold for a week now and would loved to have taken an antiviral drug on day one of the disease.
Meanwhile in India, because the patent law provides an exception for generic drugs (manufacture, sale, and even exportation), we won't have to wait on Pfizer to decide the price on human life and productivity.
Can you just imagine the boost to human well being and productivity. We won't be sick with a cold every time we take a dip in the river on a warm September Sunday, or leave the airconditioner on at 26 degree Centigrade through the night. A man can dream, can't he?
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/10/meet-molnupiravir-mercks-thor-inspired-pill-that-hammers-covid/
https://www.statnews.com/2021/10/01/mercks-antiviral-pill-reduces-hospitalization-of-covid-patients-a-possible-game-changer-for-treatment/
Do you know why this is the biggest news of my lifetime? Because this drug works against _most_ cold viruses, not just Covid. It works against all (known) forms of SARS and MERS.
The drug, named after Thor's hammer, actively kills the virus by fouling up the RNA replication process. The details are in the articles I've linked.
There are other great things about the current situation. The USFDA sets a very high bar for antiviral drugs, which allegedly has hampered a cure for the common cold (Drug companies say that technology has progressed by the FDA has not). Anyway, a cure for Covid will push the FDA in a corner and this drug will be approved for human use and then... hurray? Who knows, but hey, I've been miserable with a cold for a week now and would loved to have taken an antiviral drug on day one of the disease.
Meanwhile in India, because the patent law provides an exception for generic drugs (manufacture, sale, and even exportation), we won't have to wait on Pfizer to decide the price on human life and productivity.
Can you just imagine the boost to human well being and productivity. We won't be sick with a cold every time we take a dip in the river on a warm September Sunday, or leave the airconditioner on at 26 degree Centigrade through the night. A man can dream, can't he?