Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Liverpool, the University of Cape Town and UKHSA have uncovered a link between an antiviral drug for COVID-19 infections called molnupiravir and a pattern of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
's genetic information, or genome, during replication. Many of these mutations will damage or kill the virus, reducing viral load in the body. It was one of the first antivirals available on the market during the COVID-19 pandemic and was widely adopted by many countries., the scientists used global sequencing databases to map mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus over time.
These mutations increased in 2022, coinciding with the introduction of molnupiravir. They were also more likely to be seen in older age groups, consistent with the use of the antivirals to treat people who are more at risk, and in countries which are known to have high molnupiravir use. In England, the researchers analyzed treatment data and found that at least 30% of the events involved use of molnupiravir.
The researchers also saw small clusters of mutations which suggests onward transmission from one person to another, although no established variants of concern are currently linked to this signature.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
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