Merck To Test Oral Antiviral Candidate For Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Of COVID-19 Infection

Merck & Co Inc MRK and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics have initiated the Phase 3 MOVe-AHEAD trial to evaluate molnupiravir, an investigational oral antiviral therapeutic, for the prevention of COVID-19 infection.
The global study enrolls individuals who are at least 18 years of age and reside in the same household as someone with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with symptoms. The trial will enroll approximately 1,332 participants.
Related Content: Merck, Ridgeback Highlight Interim Molnupiravir Data In Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.
Participants are not eligible for the trial if they have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine more than seven days before enrollment, have previously had COVID-19, or are showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
The trial's primary endpoints include a percentage of participants with COVID-19 through Day 14, participants with an adverse event, and those who discontinued study intervention due to an adverse event.
The safety and efficacy of molnupiravir is currently under evaluation in Part 2 of the ongoing MOVe-OUT trial in non-hospitalized adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
Data from the study is expected in the second half of 2021.
Read Next: Merck Inks Molnupiravir Supply Pact With US Government For COVID-19.
Price Action: MRK shares are down 0.03% at $76.27 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.