Despite the vaccination drives and campaigns around the world, the pandemic still poses a significant threat for the world. The recent introduction of the COVID-19 pills, however, has brought a ray of hope for all of us—given their ability to reduce the effects of the pandemic significantly.
The COVID-19 antiviral oral pills, Paxlovid by Pfizer and Molnupiravir by Merck, are considered to alleviate the symptoms of the virus at home. Molnupiravir was created at Emory University to cure influenza. However, during the development, scientists found out that it can create mutagen which can change the course of DNA along with causing cancer. Thus, the development was cast off. The clinical trial based on a placebo-controlled double-blind released positive results in the UK on November 2021. Later in December 2021, the U.S authorized it as an emergency treatment.
Paxlovid, on the other hand, is a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The US’s Food and Drug Administration authorized it for exigency treatment of coronavirus in December 2021. The primary aim of COVID-19 pills is to reduce the number of active cases. If you ingest COVID -19 pills during the first few days of infection, it can reduce the possibility of hospitalization.
Working Mechanism of Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir COVID -19 pill is an administered medication that is activated through metabolization in the body. It is transformed into RNA-like building units as it enters the cell. The viral copying mechanism, RNA polymerase, assembles these building blocks into the virus’s RNA genome. In comparison with Remdesivir which slows the viral RNA polymerase, Molnupiravir has no direct effect on the replicating machine’s operation. Instead, the RNA-like building pieces connect with the viral genetic material’s building blocks. Molnupiravir can transform the RNA and make it virus resistant. This substance has the ability to treat a wide range of viral infections.
Paxlovid with 88% Efficiency
Paxlovid is another COVID -19 pill that combines Pfizer’s experimental antiviral PF-07321332 with a low dose of ritonavir, an antiretroviral treatment that is historically utilized to treat HIV. By binding to the 3CL-like protease, an enzyme critical to the virus’ function and reproduction, the therapy prevents SARS-CoV-2 from replicating in the body. Paxlovid reduced the incidence of COVID -19-related hospitalization or mortality by 89 percent in individuals who got treatment within three days of diagnosis.
Decelerating the COVID Upsurge
Paxlovid and Molnupiravir are incredible COVID pills to decelerate the upsurge of covid cases. These COVID-19 pills are enough for the betterment of a patient and can single-handedly treat an individual. The fact that it can reduce the possibility of hospitalization is sufficient to ponder that it will be effective in decreasing the upward curve of active cases. However, you still need to be aware of the side effects including the damage to the fetus. You must get vaccinated as medicine can cure the disease temporarily and the vaccine will prevent the recurrence as well as fatality rate.
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