Singapore to Close Deal for Supply of New Merck Covid Pill

Singapore has announced it will be working with Merck & Co. on an agreement for the supply and purchase of molnupiravir, a new Covid-19 oral drug which could help reduce the risk of hospitalization and death caused by the virus.
According to a statement released by Merck, molnupiravir will be supplied to Singapore upon the completion of certain regulatory measures. The breakthrough drug is known to reduce risk of death by at least 50%. This means, patients who have contracted the virus can be treated before even being hospitalized.
Pang Lai Li, Merck’s managing director said in a statement, “MSD believes a range of medicines and vaccines will be needed to make an impact on the pandemic. This agreement is another example of Singapore’s forward-looking strategy of pandemic management and the government’s commitment to investing in innovative medicines and vaccines to combat the pandemic.”
According to reports, Singapore has a high vaccination rate and aims to lower covid infection rates which have put immense pressure on its healthcare system. The country is slowly shifting its covid-zero strategy to a “living with the virus” strategy.