Efficacy of molnupiravir in Covid-19 infection treatment

Introduction. Molnupiravir is an orally administered antiviral agent approved for the treatment patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Its antiviral effect is based on the inhibition of viral replication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of molnupiravir in clinical practice. Material and Methods. This retrospective study included 74 non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate clinical presentation who were treated with molnupiravir at the Covid Hospital of the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina during 2022. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on the occurrence of hospitalization or death within 28 days after therapy initiation. Results. Disease progression requiring hospitalization occurred in 4 of 74 patients (5.4%). No deaths were recorded during the 28-day follow-up. Molnupiravir treatment was not associated with a significant reduction in viral load by day 5 of therapy. Conclusion. When administered within the first three days after symptom onset, molnupiravir appears to reduce the risk of hospitalization and mortality.