Clinical data analysis of the antiviral pill 'molnupiravir' for the treatment of Covid-19 in the country is currently underway, and thus may be about to be introduced in the Indian market, says a news source consulted by MzNews.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has signed a contract with Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), the manufacturer of the drug, to supply 'molnupiravir' in India and more than 100 middle- and low-income countries.

The drug is said to be the first proven effective treatment for the new coronavirus, and can be taken as a pill, rather than by injection or intravenous administration, the news source reports.

Ram Vishwakarma, head of the strategy group against Covid-19 in the country, told the local NDTV channel that he believes approval will come "within days," and plans are also underway to review another drug, Paxlovid, from Pfizer.

Recall that the antiretroviral pill, produced by Merck Sharp & Dohme Laboratories (MSD), was approved on November 4 in the UK with authorization for adults aged 18 and older who have tested positive for Covid-19 and have at least one risk factor for developing severe disease.

Data for 'molnupiravir' is also being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency clearance.

India is among the most affected countries by Covid-19, accounting for 34,401,670 cases and 462,189 deaths since the pandemic began.