NCT06667700 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
A Clinical Study of Molnupiravir to Prevent Severe Illness From Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in People Who Are High Risk (MK-4482-023)
(MOVe-NOW)
What this study is about
Researchers are looking for other ways to prevent severe illness from COVID-19. COVID-19 is a virus that most often causes mild flu or cold-like symptoms. However, people with certain health conditions or other factors have a high risk (chance) of getting severely ill from COVID-19, which can require a hospital stay or lead to death.
View original scientific description
Researchers are looking for other ways to prevent severe illness from COVID-19. COVID-19 is a virus that most often causes mild flu or cold-like symptoms. However, people with certain health conditions or other factors have a high risk (chance) of getting severely ill from COVID-19, which can require a hospital stay or lead to death.
Interventions
DRUG
Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir administered orally as two 400 mg film-coated tablets every 12 hours for 5 days (a total of 10 consecutive doses)
DRUG
Placebo
Molnupiravir-matching placebo administered orally as two film-coated tablets every 12 hours for 5 days (a total of 10 consecutive doses)
Primary outcome measures
Percentage of Participants Who Experienced One or More of Following Through Day 29: All-cause Hospitalization, All-cause Mortality, or Covid-19-related Medically-attended Visit (MAV)
Time frame: Up to 29 days
Hospitalization is defined as ≥24 hours of acute care in a hospital or similar acute care facility, including emergency rooms or facilities created to address hospitalization needs specifically for COVID-19. Hospitalization and death may be due to any cause. An MAV is defined as any unscheduled, nonroutine healthcare visit where the participant is evaluated by a licensed (according to local/national guidelines) healthcare provider. As prespecified by the protocol, the percentage of participants who experience ONE OR MORE of these 3 events (hospitalization, death, or COVID-19-related MAV) occurring from randomization through Day 29 will be presented.
Percentage of Participants Who Experienced an Adverse Event (AE)
Time frame: Up to approximately 5 months
An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. The percentage of participants with at least 1 AE will be presented.
Percentage of Participants Who Discontinued Study Intervention Due to AE
Time frame: Up to approximately 5 days
An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. The percentage of participants who discontinue study intervention due to an AE will be presented.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- The main inclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following:
- Is an individual of any sex/gender, ≥18 years of age
- Has documentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection with sample collection ≤4 days prior to randomization
- Has initial onset of signs/symptoms attributable to COVID-19 for ≤4 days prior to the day of randomization and ≥2 of the following signs/symptoms attributable to COVID-19 on the day of randomization: cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing with exertion, muscle or body aches, fatigue, fever \>38.0°C or chills, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea, change in sense of smell or change in sense of taste, or headache
- Has ≥1 of the following characteristics or medical conditions associated with the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19:
- Advanced age of ≥75 years of age
- Immunocompromised
- Neurocognitive or physical disability
- Has ≥3 characteristics or medical conditions which increase the
Where
- Cullman, Alabama
- Paradise Valley, Arizona
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Castroville, California
- Fullerton, California
- Los Alamitos, California
- Northridge, California
- Oxnard, California
- San Diego, California
- San Francisco, California
- Westlake Village, California
- Wheat Ridge, Colorado
And 49 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations