While the world grapples for a clear picture of the Omicron variant and how to handle it, Moderna Inc., Biontech SE and Adagio Therapeutics Inc. stepped out with stock advances, building on momentum from the end of last week, while eyeing 2022 as a launch date against the variant.

With Omicron all the COVID-19 buzz right now, the FDA’s concern that the antiviral drug molnupiravir might enhance SARS-CoV-2 evolution might take on added weight when the Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee meets Nov. 30 to advise on Merck & Co. Inc.-Ridgeback Biotherapeutics Inc.’s emergency use authorization (EUA) request for what could be the first take-at-home oral drug authorized to treat COVID-19 infections.

LONDON – Cases of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which has an unprecedented number of mutations in the spike protein that is the target of most COVID-19 vaccines, have now been reported across Europe and in Canada, following its initial detection in South Africa.

It’s decision time for oral drugs that could help the world return to normal even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.K. already has granted emergency authorization to Merck & Co. Inc. and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics Inc.’s antiviral, Lagevrio (molnupiravir), and the EMA is expected to complete its evaluation of the oral drug within the next few weeks. In the U.S., the FDA could announce its decision on Lagevrio shortly after its Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee weighs in Nov. 30 on emergency use authorization.