The FDA's Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee voted 13-10 to recommend that the FDA authorize Merck's antiviral pill to treat COVID-19. Safety concerns include a recommendation that the drug not be used during pregnancy. Many committee members said their vote was a difficult decision. Those who voted "yes" said the drug's benefits outweigh the risks, while those who
A team of infectious disease advisers will soon look at the results of Merck's clinical trial and decide whether to recommend emergency use authorization for the first pill to treat early-stage COVID-19.