The pharmaceutical company Merck is requesting the FDA authorize emergency use of an experimental pill to treat coronavirus. Merck’s request comes just after phase three clinical trial data showed the anti-viral medication reduced the chances of hospitalization for newly diagnosed patients by about 50-percent.
Merck says it specifically asked the FDA to grant emergency use for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at risk for severe disease or hospitalization.  Officials with the drugmaker say adding a pill to the fight against the coronavirus would be a game-changer.                                                  Meanwhile, an FDA advisory committee will consider emergency use authorization for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine boosters. The meetings are set for Thursday and Friday. Currently, both vaccines have emergency use authorization for adults 18 and up.