Merck, Ridgeback Highlight Interim Molnupiravir Data In Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Merck & Co Inc MRK and its collaborating partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced the presentation of previously announced Phase 2 interim results from two Phase 2/3 clinical trials of molnupiravir in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
The data were presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases.
In addition, Merck plans to initiate a clinical program to evaluate molnupiravir for post-exposure prophylaxis in 2H of 2021.
As reported earlier, the percentage of hospitalized patients or died in Part 1 of the study was lower in the combined molnupiravir-treated groups versus the placebo arm.
The most significant overall magnitude of the antiviral effect was observed in the 800 mg dose compared with the 200 mg and 400 mg doses.
Price Action: MRK shares traded lower by 0.14% at $77.88 premarket on the last check Monday.