Britain today became the first country in the world to approve a potentially game-changing Covid-19 antiviral pill jointly developed by US-based Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, in a boost to the fight against the pandemic.

Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommended the drug, molnupiravir, be used as soon as possible following a positive Covid-19 test and within five days of the onset of symptoms, citing clinical data.

This is the first oral antiviral treatment for Covid-19 to get approved, with the green light coming ahead of potential US...