Molnupiravir: a promising new treatment for COVID-19

Early studies show molnupiravir to be the first oral medication effective against SARS-CoV-2. Safe at therapeutic levels, its active intracellular form introduces lethal mutations in the virus but does not mutate host cell DNA. Developed at Emory University and marketed by Merck, it is most effective when given early in infection. Wikipedia offers an excellent new summary at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molnupiravir . If further studies confirm the value of molnupiravir, this will be a valuable addition to the fight against COVID-19. However, the best course remains for all of us and our loved ones to get vaccinated, minimizing our chances to get infected or sick with COVID-19 in the first place.