The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today announced its approval of Lagevrio (molnupiravir). This is the first oral antiviral for COVID-19 and therefore its approval represents a significant step forward.
Clinical pharmacologists have been integral in advising the MHRA to ensure the treatment meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. Society President Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, in his role as Chair of the Commission on Human Medicines, said:
The Commission on Human Medicines and its COVID-19 Therapeutics Expert Working Group has independently reviewed the data and endorses the MHRA’s regulatory approval of Lagevrio. In clinical trials, Lagevrio was found to be effective in reducing the risk of hospitalisation or death for at-risk non-hospitalised adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 by 50%. Based on this and other data that has been carefully reviewed by the Commission and its expert group, it is clear Lagevrio is another safe and effective treatment to help us in our fight against COVID-19.
