TOKYO: Merck & Co.’s Japanese unit said Monday it will accelerate the supply of molnupiravir, a COVID-19 pill developed by the U.S. drugmaker, in Japan in response to the spread of the omicron variant of the novel coronavirus.

Specifically, molnupiravir pills for 800,000 people will be delivered to the Japanese government by the end of March, up from the initially planned amount for 600,000 people.

Merck already delivered the coronavirus drug for 200,000 people in December 2021 and for 50,000 people last month. It now plans to supply molnupiravir for 220,000 and 330,000 people this month and in March, respectively.

Earlier, Merck was not slated to deliver the drug in January while planning to provide it for 200,000 people in both February and March.

Kyle Tattle, president of the Japanese unit, said that the company is considering moving up molnupiravir shipments further.

JIJI Press