Two new experimental pills have shown promise for the treatment of Kovid-19. One, by Merck & Company and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, is claimed to halve the risk of severe illness or death in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The drug was found by Pfizer Inc to reduce hospitalization and death rates by 89% in other, high-risk patients, the pharmaceutical major said last week.
These treatments, if approved, would mark a significant leap forward over current treatments in use. In the absence of drugs proven to be effective on COVID, lines of therapy have emerged through trial-and-error by medical practitioners to see what works best. There has also been significant variation in the approaches taken, with the level of risk to patients unclear. Hence, these two new tablets can act as game-changers. Effective treatment can reduce the burden on our health infrastructure and reduce mortality. However, their widespread adoption will depend on how affordable they are, especially in low-income countries where less vaccine access means people are at greater risk. Ending the pandemic requires keeping everyone in the world safe, and how cheap these pills are available will play a significant role.
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