Merck’s Covid Pill Narrowly Gets Backing From FDA Advisers (2)

Merck & Co.’s Covid-19 pill narrowly gained a key recommendation from advisers to U.S. regulators, after a lengthy debate about the safety of the potential game-changing treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration’s advisory committee voted 13-10 to back Merck’s antiviral drug molnupiravir, saying that while there were safety concerns about the pill, its potential benefits outweigh the risks.

The pill is intended to treat mild-to-moderate Covid-19 in adults at risk of developing severe illness. Merck developed the treatment with partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP.

Merck’s shares rose 1.9% in late trading as the vote increased the likelihood that the ...