Molnupiravir has some safety issues. Molnupiravir mimics RNA by inserting errors in the virus’s DNA, which causes the virus to stop reproducing itself. CNN). This is great as long as it only attacks the viral RNA. But there are concerns that the drug could interfere with the genome of other cells in the body instead — a result described as an “off-target effect.”
Elizabeth Campbell, Rockefeller microbial biologist, co-authored an article on molnupiravir for Nature. “The potential off-target effects will require further investigation” (via CNN). Another concern is the potential harm to the developing fetus during pregnancy. Campbell explained. CNN, “If I were pregnant, I wouldn’t take it. I’m guessing that the FDA will not let molnupiravir be used in pregnant women.”Third, the possibility that additional coronavirus mutations may be transmitted by the pills and make it more difficult to develop vaccine-resistant versions.
Researchers are positive that molnupiravir will prove to be an effective tool in doctors’ limited arsenal to combat COVID-19 infections. Eric Rubin is an infectious disease specialist at Harvard T.H. CNN spoke with Chan School of Public Health. “We should worry about the dangers to pregnant women and the dangers of developing resistance. But if we have a drug that works, we want that drug. We just have to figure out how best to use it given its limitations.”