FDA panel review final hurdle for Merck’s COVID-19 pill
PBS NewsHourDec 23, 2021
Study: Merck COVID Drug May Cause Virus Mutations
Image copyright: Bloomberg/Getty Images [via Science]
The Facts
In a preprint study from the Francis Crick Institute, Imperial College London, and other UK institutes, researchers found that Merck & Co.'s COVID medication, Lagevrio — also known as molnupiravir — causes new mutations of the virus in patients.
Molnupiravir, administered as a pill, was developed to eliminate the virus in infected persons by creating mutations in the viral genome. The data shows that the drug generates novel viruses that are transmissible — causing researchers to be concerned that the mutations could extend and reinvigorate the pandemic.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While this research finding may seem worrying, it has not gone through the rigorous peer review process. While during the pandemic many scientists started publishing their research on “preprint servers” prior to review in an attempt to more quickly share findings, this practice is dangerous — it means that there is less oversight on research and unverified scientific findings may confuse the public. More validation is needed; the processes of scientific research and confirmation must run their due course.
Establishment-critical narrative
While peer review is important, the world of publishing moves dangerously slowly — with some studies taking months or even years to move through the peer review and publication process. Preprints accelerate scientific communication and sharing scientific knowledge in a timely manner far outweighs the risks of sharing un-reviewed work. This is just the beginning of findings about the risks of Merck's product, and the public deserves to be aware of the early findings.
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