LANSING, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – Pharmaceutical company Merck said on Friday that its experimental COVID-19 pill reduced hospitalizations and deaths by half in people recently infected with the coronavirus.

Merck officials said the company will soon ask health officials in the U.S. and worldwide to authorize its use.

MORE NEWS: On Labor Day, Mighty Mac Will Close to Cars for Annual Bridge Walk

If cleared, it would be the first drug approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19.

Current COVID-19 therapies authorized in the U.S. require an IV or injection.