Merck Announces Updated Data Showing COVID Pill Less Effective Than Previously Reported

Merck announced Friday that updated data on its experimental COVID-19 pill show the drug is less effective than previously reported, and will now move to test treatment for safety.

Merck said the pill, Molnupiravir, showed a 30% reduction in hospitalization and deaths based on data from roughly 1,400 patients. Figures from an interim study released Oct. 1 showed an approximately 50% efficacy based on data from over 1,400 patients.

The drugmaker released the results of the study to the Food and Drug Administration, which will meet to discuss the pill on Nov. 30.