EMA approves use of MSD Covid pill during review

European countries could start using MSD's Covid pill before the entire approval process is complete. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) made this announcement in Amsterdam on Thursday. The organization said it is prepared to advise countries in this regard.

The EMA is following the trials of the pill, which was approved in Great Britain on Thursday. This is called a rolling review and is the last step before MSD actually applies for admission. The EMA cannot indicate when that final decision will be made.

The Dutch Ministry of Health announced that it purchased the coronavirus pill through a European purchasing procedure. It is not yet clear how much the Netherlands will receive. The Ministry is "waiting for the regular route of admission through the EMA," according to a spokesperson. "It is important that good research is done on how safe and effective it is."

The Covid pill is called Molnupiravir. People who test positive for the coronavirus can take the medication to control the coronavirus symptoms and prevent serious complaints. This should help reduce hospital admissions and deaths.