Merck pill

In this undated file image provided by Merck & Co. shows their new antiviral medication. The pharmaceutical Merck has agreed to allow other drugmakers worldwide to make its Covid-19 treatment, the first pill that has been shown to be effective against the disease, in a move aimed at helping millions of people in poorer countries access to the drug. In a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool said it had signed a voluntary licensing agreement for molnupiravir with Merck and its partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. (Merck & Co. via AP, File)
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Merck agrees to let other drug makers make its Covid pill

An experimental Covid-19 treatment pill called molnupiravir being developed by Merck & Co Inc and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, is seen in this undated handout photo released by Merck & Co Inc and obtained by Reuters May 17, 2021. Photo: Reuters
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