The tablet - molnupiravir - is given twice a day to high risk patients who have caught the virus.
Molnupiravir was the first oral antiviral treatment for Covid to report clinical trial results.
But some scientists have questioned its effectiveness after its early clinical trial results were downgraded.Molnupiravir, initially developed to treat influenza, works by inserting errors into the genetic code of coronavirus every time it copies itself, limiting its ability to multiply in the body. The following day she was sent a course of the pills by courier as part of a national study called Panoramic led by Oxford University and funded by the National Institute of Health Research.
All the new antivirals in development have to be taken within five days of symptoms appearing to have much of an effect - before high levels of the virus are present in the body.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UK parliament may be recalled to vote on further Covid curbs, says ministerGrant Shapps says stricter measures would necessitate recall, amid disquiet in wake of Tory rebellion
Read more »
Tuesday evening UK news briefing: The Tory Covid rebels🔎Tuesday evening UK news briefing from TheChrisPrice: ❌Tories set to rebel over Plan B coronavirus measures 🦠First major omicron study shows variant 'less severe' 🔴Mother and her girlfriend convicted over toddler's death
Read more »
Covid cases rise sharply at some UK universities as students head homeFears mass exodus before Christmas break could fuel spread of Omicron variant
Read more »
The Queen cancels her Christmas party amid spiralling Covid rates across UKThe Queen still wants to host her immediate family at Sandringham over the Christmas holidays but is still taking advice on if such a gathering would be safe
Read more »
Covid: Socialise carefully warns PM, amid record UK casesPubs and restaurants are not closing, the PM insists - but he and Prof Chris Whitty urge caution.
Read more »
No more restrictions announced on day UK records highest Covid casesUsing the vaccines as boosters will get us out of another lockdown, the PM hopes.
Read more »