A new antiviral drug intended to protect the most vulnerable patients from developing a severe case of COVID may actually produce mutations that cause more harm than good, a new study suggests.

Merck’s Molnupiravir has been described as a “wonder” drug because it can halve the risk of being hospitalized or dying with COVID. It’s given to cancer patients and others with conditions that could make COVID more dangerous as soon as they’re diagnosed with the infection.

The drug works by mutating the virus’ ability to grow and spread. While side effects have been reported as relatively mild, a new study suggests that unwanted, additional new mutations may also be occurring, and spreading new variations of COVID.

Merck denies that dangerous mutations could occur, saying the new study is based on “sporadic cases” and “circumstantial evidence” that links recent virus mutations to administration of the drug.

SOURCE:

Daily Mail September 25, 2023