Merck Positioning to Take the Lead U.S. COVID-19 Antiviral Market from Remdesivir: EIDD-2801

In May, Merck announced a collaboration with Ridgeback Biopharmaceuticals LP (Ridgeback) to jointly develop EIDD-2801, an orally available antiviral candidate currently in early development for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Influential sources have conveyed to the TrialSite that the intention will be to demonstrate superiority over Gilead’s Remdesivir as some scientists believe the product will evidence greater efficacy with the added benefit of oral availability. Remdesivir presently requires intravenous administration, and the rumblings are that forthcoming results from large global studies could disappoint. The early movers don’t always win in emerging markets, and the COVID-19 antiviral market is definitely an unfolding one. In the meantime, Gilead launched a study to test an inhalable version of the drug.