Vietnamese among dozens of firms to make cheap version of Merck Covid pill for poorer nations

An experimental COVID-19 treatment pill, called molnupiravir and 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 by Merck & Co Inc/Handout via Reuters

Nearly 30 generic drugmakers in Asia, Africa and the Middle East will make cheap versions of Merck & Co's Covid-19 pill.

The production campaign is under a landmark U.N.-backed deal to give poorer nations wider access to a drug seen as a weapon in fighting the pandemic.

Merck's early greenlight to production of its anti-viral pill molnupiravir by other companies during the pandemic is a rare example in the pharmaceutical sector, which usually protects its patented treatments for longer periods.

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