This news blurb links mutations in the virus to treatment with molnupiravir.
>>>The study put forward that molnupiravir may increase genomic diversity in the viral cells that survive the hazardous mutations brought on by the drug, expanding the variety from which SARS-CoV-2 can select from for future changes.
“Importantly, the divergence of the molnupiravir mutation spectrum from standard SARS-CoV-2 mutational dynamics might allow the virus to explore the fitness of distinctive parts of the possible genomic landscape to those it is already widely exploring in the general population,” the study stated.
“Molnupiravir-induced mutation could also potentially allow infections to persist for longer by creating a more varied target for the immune system.”<<<
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4222003-potential-link-found-between-merck-antiviral-and-mutated-covid-strains/
The Harvard Gazette also just ran an article on the topic of mutations caused by molnupiravir.
>>>Since molnupiravir causes the virus to die by inducing mutations,
some have raised concerns about the possibility of inadvertently creating new, treatment-resistant versions of the virus. Coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 are good at mutating into newer strains like Delta, Omicron, and EG.5. The idea of a drug that helps the virus mutate, even for the purpose of killing it, has some people worried. . . .
A research team . . . took a math-based dive into the question of whether molnupiravir could lead to harmful mutations of the virus that causes COVID-19. . . . They conclude with potential good news: Molnupiravir appears to be “marginally evolutionarily safe.” That is, if used correctly, the treatment reduces the ability of the virus to create surviving mutants.<<<
Some worry a treatment that kills SARS-CoV-2 by helping it mutate could spawn a super virus. New research weighs in on its "evolutionary safety."
news.harvard.edu
“Marginally evolutionary safe” doesn't give me the warm fuzzies.