FDA Advisors Recommend Authorizing Merck Pill

FDA will decide on Merck's covid-19 pill 0:46

(CNN) - 

Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted Tuesday 13-10 to recommend the emergency use authorization of a pill manufactured by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics for help treat covid-19.

Members of the FDA's Antimicrobial Drug Advisory Committee were divided in the vote to recommend molnupiravir, which can reduce someone's risk of developing serious illness or death by about 30%.

For the pills to be effective, they must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, and people must take them twice a day for five days.

Committee members were concerned about the risks to pregnant women.

Molnupiravir is not the only antiviral that scientists are developing against COVID-19.

Pfizer requested authorization for its antiviral pill this month.

The FDA has not yet set a date for its advisory panel to review that drug.

Next, the FDA will review the committee's recommendation.

You don't have to take the advice of the committee, but you often do.