In-depth interpretation: What is the resistance of Merck's new crown oral drug and the risk of drug mutation?

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On October 11, 2021, U.

This drug needs to be taken within 5 days after the onset of symptoms of new crown infection, 8 tablets per day, a course of treatment for 5 days

Regarding this likely to be the first approved oral antiviral drug, after cheering, the industry also pointed out some questions and possible limitations of the drug, such as whether the mutated new coronavirus will soon develop resistance herbs, molnupiravir whether human DNA will mutate, the drug is administered too narrow windows, and the like is effective for patients with moderate and severe

In response to these problems, one of molnupiravir's research and development heroes, Dr.

Drug resistance

The mechanism of action of Molnupiravir is very different from that of neutralizing antibodies currently used to fight viruses

The existing neutralizing antibodies target the spike-like protein on the surface of the new coronavirus

But why is there still a risk of resistance to the new coronavirus? This has nothing to do with the mechanism of action, but more with people's medication habits

Since neutralizing antibodies are now used, the treatment of the new coronavirus is injected by medical professionals

Dr.

Drug mutagenicity

Dr.

The polymerase of coronaviruses grabs nucleosides in its environment and string them together to form viral RNA

Due to this mutagenic risk, even if Molnupiravir is finally approved, it will not be a drug like Tamiflu (an anti-flu drug)

At the same time, this is also an aspect that needs to be paid more attention to in subsequent research and development

In fact, measuring risk is a difficult task

Reference source:

Scientist behind Merck's Covid pill: We need to watch out for resistance