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Merck says it sold $952 million of COVID-19 treatment pill in 4Q

A file photo showing a sign for Merck & Co. at its headquarters in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey on March 9, 2009. Merck said Thursday its sales increased 17% in 2021 from the year before. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA-EFE
A file photo showing a sign for Merck & Co. at its headquarters in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey on March 9, 2009. Merck said Thursday its sales increased 17% in 2021 from the year before. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA-EFE

Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Merck said Thursday it sold $952 million of molnupiravir, its coronavirus treatment pill, over the fourth quarter in 2021 and expects to sell up to $6 billion this year.

The drugmaker highlighted its oral treatment with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics in its fourth quarter and 2021 year-end report. The Food and Drug Administration authorized the drug for emergency use in December.

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Molnupiravir is used on adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

"Molnupiravir has received many authorizations or approvals worldwide to date, with additional applications under review," Merck said in a statement.

"Within the next few days, Merck will have shipped more than 4 million courses of therapy to more than 25 countries, including approximately 3 million courses to the U.S. Government as part of its procurement agreement."

Overall, Merck made $13.5 billion in sales in the fourth quarter and $48.7 billion over 2021, an increase in sales of 17%.

"Our business achieved strong revenue and earnings growth this quarter and for the full year," Merck CEO Robert M. Davis said in a statement. "We enter 2022 with strong momentum and are moving with speed to bring forward innovations that address critical unmet needs and contribute to global health.

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"This remains at the core of our strategy, and why we are focused on benefitting the patients we serve, and in turn creating long-term value for our shareholders."

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