FDA authorizes second pill against COVID-19 symptoms

The FDA on Thursday authorized a second pill against COVID-19, Merck's Molnupiravir. 

The agency approved the drug one day after approving Pfizer's antiviral pill Paxlovid, being prescribed to adults and children 12 and older who have mild to moderate virus symptom and at risk for severe disease or hospitalization, according to a Food and Drug Administration

The ability of Merck's pill to head off severe COVID is much less than initially announced, and the drug's label will warn of serious safety issues including the potential for birth defects, according to the Associated Press.