US regulator recommends Merck coronavirus pill

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel has voted to approve the use of Merck's covid-19 pills by a majority vote .

13 members of the council voted for the approval of the drug, ten opposed. The drug was approved for adult patients who are at risk of severe disease, including due to comorbidities.

The publication indicates that the closed vote was held due to experts' concerns about the overall effectiveness of Merck's drug, as well as possible complications during pregnancy. “I find this an incredibly difficult decision. <...> But I see scenarios in which this [approval of the drug] has advantages, and therefore it makes sense to me, ”said Lindsey Baden, chairman of the committee.

According to The Hill, those who voted against pointed to the "modest" effectiveness of the pills reflected in the latest data.