In the race to end the pandemic, pharmaceutical companies have been working on therapeutics to reduce the risk of hospitalizations and death from COVID-19. One of those companies, Merck, just recently announced an oral antiviral drug that supposedly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death by approximately 50% compared to placebo patients.While Merk pursues Emergency Use Authorization for their drug, Molnupiravir, we provide a breakdown of the history of this drug, how it came to be, and where the research stands on this so-called "miracle drug". Subscribe to the Health Hackd NewsletterRate the show on Apple PodcastFollow along on InstagramTry the cleanest, most effective electrolyte drink on the market: Drink LMNTResourcesHistory of MolnupiravirMerck Announces Supply Agreement with U.S. Government for MolnupiravirMerck and Ridgeback’s Investigational Oral Antiviral Molnupiravir Reduced the Risk of Hospitalization or Death by Approximately 50 Percent Compared to PlaceboEfficacy and Safety of Molnupiravir (MK-4482) in Non-Hospitalized Adult Participants With COVID-19β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Through Lethal Mutagenesis But Is Also Mutagenic To Mammalian CellsFluvoxamine, Ivermectin, Vitamin D, and L-arginineMerck’s Covid Pill Could Pose Serious Risks, Scientists WarnDisclaimerThis podcast is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products, information, services, and other content provided on and through this podcast, including information that may be provided in the show notes (directly or via linking to third-party sites), are provided for informational purposes only. Please consult with your physician or other healthcare professionals regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options.