AdvertisementThe U.K. approves Merck's COVID-19 antiviral pill, calling it a world firstNovember 04, 2021Bill ChappellfacebookEmailThe U.K. says it's the first country to approve an oral antiviral medication to fight COVID-19. "This is important, because it means it can be administered outside of a hospital setting, before COVID-19 has progressed to a severe stage," said MHRA Chief Executive Dr. June Raine. (Pool/AFP via Getty Images)