Merck's Antiviral Pill: A New Hope for Ebola Outbreak?

Merck is engaging in discussions with health authorities worldwide to potentially utilize its COVID antiviral pill, molnupiravir, for treating the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a senior executive disclosed to Reuters.

The outbreak has infected around 1,100 people and caused 42 deaths, involving the rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccines or treatments. Eliav Barr, Merck's chief medical officer, said the non-specific RNA virus drug could be considered for use after discussing it with various parties.

The pill, co-developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and known commercially as Lagevrio, holds emergency approval from the FDA for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 treatment. Although not approved for Ebola, it shows potential in animal studies. Existing Ebola challenges highlight the urgency for innovative solutions, as expressed by Barr in view of the grave situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)