COVID Timeline

Let's talk about notable events during the history of COVID. You can read more about COVID at the WHO Hub Page.

Last Update: Mon, December 2, 2024 at 3:59 AM

U.S. Clears Merck’s Covid Pill as It Weighs How to Ration Pfizer

The U.S. has cleared its first two Covid-19 treatment pills, and now comes another hurdle -- deciding who should get which one.

Coronavirus, Joe Biden, Food and Drug Administration, Government, Regulation, National Institutes of Health, Women, New York, politics, business, prognosisReadArchived

Merck & Co.’s molnupiravir was authorized Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration for use in adults at high risk of severe cases who have no other treatment option, though it is not recommended for pregnant women. Still, the U.S. will soon have three million courses available.

Pfizer’s Paxlovid -- authorized earlier this week --showed stronger clinical trial data with President Joe Biden hailing the pill as “a promising new treatment.” It will be available in limited quantities at first as Pfizer grinds through a months-long manufacturing process.