Merck announced on Wednesday a supply and purchase agreement with Singapore that will ensure access to its experimental oral COVID-19 antiviral drug, making Singapore the latest Asian country to seek supplies.
Molnupiravir, the first oral antiviral medication for COVID-19, is designed to introduce errors into the coronavirus’s genetic code. Merck is requesting that the pill be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Singapore’s health ministry confirmed the agreement, but declined to comment on the number of doses purchased due to commercial sensitivities.
According to the ministry, molnupiravir will be available for use after Merck, also known as MSD Pharma in Singapore, submits data to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and obtains approval for use in Singapore.
