MSD-Merck secures British approval for its Covid antiviral pill         

Molnupiravir has become one of the most highly anticipated coronavirus medications, as the pill is relatively cheap to make and easy to transport

MSD Brinny, Co Cork, one of the region’s largest employers.

US drugs giant Merck – which is known as MSD in Ireland – has secured the approval for its Covid-19 antiviral pill, the first of many global regulators that will likely approve the drug known as molnupiravir.

MSD employs 2,800 people in Cork and Carlow and at other major facilities in Ireland. It is looking at a number of sites around the world to make the pill, the Irish Examiner reported last week.