Countries right around the world are rushing to place orders for a new Covid-19 antiviral pill, despite the drug not yet receiving authorisation for use

The desire to get in early has been sparked by many poorer nations throughout Asia slow-off the mark to secure vaccines, with leaders not wanting to make the same mistake again.

The new drug is produced by US pharmaceutical giant Merck and is being called a potential pandemic game changer.

The company is seeking emergency authorisation from America’s Food and Drug Administration.

The approval would mean that this is the first-ever oral antiviral treatment against Covid-19.

At least eight countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region have signed deals or have begun talks with the company including New Zealand, Australia and South Korea.

The treatment works once a patient is diagnosed with Covid-19… whereby they start a course of the drug over five days.