Pill for Covid does not reduce risk of hospitalisation or death, UK study finds

Oxford University's Panoramic trial suggests molnupiravir can speed up recovery in vaccinated but vulnerable patients

An oral antiviral pill for Covid speeds up recovery among vaccinated yet vulnerable patients, but does not reduce their likelihood of needing hospital care or dying, research has suggested.

The UK became the first country in the world in November 2021 to approve molnupiravir for Covid, with the pill - which can be taken twice a day at home - given to patients through the Panoramic (Platform Adaptive trial of NOvel antiviRals for eArly treatMent of Covid-19 In the Community) trial.