Approved anti-viral pill for Covid-19 needs ‘rethink’ due to Omicron variant

A Covid-19 recovery ward at Craigavon Area Hospital in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland. Half of the coronavirus patients admitted to hospital during the first wave developed at least one complication, new research has found. Issue date: Thursday July 15, 2021.

An anti-viral pill for Covid-19, which was approved for use in the UK, needs a “rethink” because of the Omicron variant, England’s chief medical officer has said.

Molnupiravir, which can be taken at home, is for people who have had a positive Covid test and have at least one risk factor for developing severe illness, such as obesity, being over the age of 60, diabetes or heart disease.