Molnupiravir is now in the advanced phase, multi-centre, clinical II/III trials in human beings after successful completion of phase I safety trials.
CDC illustration of the coronavirus. Image: CDC/Unsplash
For the first time since the COVID-19
The results have been published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
MK-4482/EIDD-2801, better known as Molnupiravir, could be a game-changer in stopping community transmission of COVID-19


Molnupiravir was first discovered to be potent against influenza viruses but repurposed to be used against SARS-CoV-2 and tested on ferrets. Image: CDC/Unsplash
Dr Richard Plemper, Distinguished University Professor at Georgia State said, “We noted early on that MK-4482/EIDD-2801 has broad-spectrum activity against respiratory RNA viruses and that treating infected animals by mouth with the drug lowers the amount of shed viral particles by several orders of magnitude, dramatically reducing transmission.”
“These properties made MK-4482/EIDD/2801 a powerful candidate for pharmacologic control of COVID-19
The drug was first discovered to be potent against influenza viruses but repurposed to be used against SARS-CoV-2, followed by controlled tests on ferrets. Six ferrets were infected with the coronavirus
Ferrets can be used as a ‘preclinical model’ for COVID-19
“We believe ferrets are a relevant transmission model because they readily spread SARS-CoV-2, but mostly do not develop severe disease, which closely resembles SARS-CoV-2 spread in young adults,” said Dr Robert Cox, a postdoctoral fellow in a statement.
After observing them over a four-day period, the researchers found that the infected ferrets treated with Molnupiravir did not spread the virus to uninfected ferrets living with them. On the other hand, ferrets that were infected but given a placebo, were shown to be infecting others near them.
Molnupiravir is now in the advanced phase, multi-centre, clinical II/III trials in human beings after successful completion of phase I safety trials. Data on those trails are still awaited.