Merck agrees to let other drug makers make its Covid pill

Merck has agreed to allow other drug makers worldwide to produce its Covid-19 pill (Merck & Co via AP)

Pharmaceutical company Merck agreed to allow other drug makers worldwide to produce its Covid-19 pill, in a move aimed at helping millions of people in poorer countries get access to the potentially life-saving drug, a United Nations-backed public health organisation said.

The Medicines Patent Pool said in a statement that it had signed a voluntary licensing agreement for molnupiravir with Merck and its partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.