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Merck Covid Drug Linked to New Virus Mutations, Study Says

  • So far, new versions aren’t more lethal, immune-evasive
  • Merck disputes study’s claim, says drug is ‘valuable’
Lagevrio

Lagevrio

Photographer: Donato Fasano/Getty Images
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Merck & Co.’s Covid-19 pill is giving rise to new mutations of the virus in some patients, according to a study that underscores the risk of trying to intentionally alter the pathogen’s genetic code.

Some researchers worry the drug may create more contagious or health-threatening variations of Covid, which has killed more than 6.8 million people globally over the past three years.