treat influenza, is showing promise as a treatment for COVID-19.A study by researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, recently published in Nature, found that the drug dramatically reduced the number of virus particles in a mouse model of the disease.It also protected against infection when given 12 hours before exposure to the virus and every 12 hours thereafter.Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.Phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials of molnupiravir are already under way, with some results expected as soon as March 2021.In addition to testing the drug’s safety and efficacy, one of the trials is also investigating.