Merck asks FDA to authorize COVID treatment pill

Drugmaker Merck has asked U.S. regulators to authorize its promising antiviral pill against COVID-19, setting the stage for a decision within weeks. 

If cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, it would be the first pill shown to treat COVID-19. The FDA will scrutinize company data on the drug's safety and effectiveness before rendering a decision.  The company reported that the pill cut hospitalizations and deaths by half among patients with early symptoms of COVID-19.