US Drugmaker Strikes Deal For Global Access To COVID-19 Medication

US drugmaker Merck has announced a deal that could see generic versions of its experimental oral COVID-19 treatment for people infected with the disease widely distributed in poorer countries.<br />The global Medicines Patent Pool which is backed by the United Nations, says it had signed a voluntary licensing agreement with Merck to facilitate affordable worldwide access for its antiviral medicine molnupiravir.<br />Merck and MPP in a statement saying this is the first transparent, public health-driven voluntary license for a COVID-19 medical technology.