Study Links Merck’s COVID-19 Antiviral Pill to Mutated Strains

The findings published in the journal Nature suggests that molnupiravir may enable mutated viruses to spread.

This undated photo provided by Merck & Co. shows their new antiviral medication molnupiravir. Merck & Co. via AP, File

Molnupiravir, an antiviral COVID-19 pill created by Merck, has been linked with new mutations of the virus that have been observed worldwide, according to a new study published in the Nature science journal on Monday.

The drug, known commercially as Lagevrio, was one of the first authorized antiviral treatments made available during the pandemic. Pfizer’s Paxlovid has also been approved for use in the treatment of COVID-19.