The Japanese Ministry of Health has approved an oral Covid-19 medication created by Merck & Co, making it the first of its kind to be used in the country.

Molnupiravir, which blocks the new coronavirus from growing in the body, was approved under a fast-track process after MSD K.K., Merck's Japanese branch, applied to manufacture and market the drug in Japan in early December.

Merck initially announced that Molnupiravir reduces the risk of hospitalization and death in clinical studies in Japan, Europe, and the United States in an interim report.

Molnupiravir is also likely effective against the virus's Omicron form, according to the Japanese subsidiary. Patients over the age of 18 who have minor symptoms can take the pill twice a day for five days.

If approved, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said 200,000 doses of the tablet would be supplied nationally beginning this weekend. Merck has already promised to supply the government with 1.6 million medicines.

Shigeyuki Goto, Japan's health minister, said the medicine would be available in medical facilities as early as Monday. To decrease contact between patients and outsiders, the ministry will cooperate with drugstores to enable patients to receive therapy at home.

Molnupiravir, which was also licensed in the United Kingdom in November, has garnered attention as the world's first orally administered Covid-19 therapy. However, British regulators have not recommended its use for pregnant women, and it is not approved for children.