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Research Finds Possible Connection Between Anti-Covid Drug And Virus Mutations

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Research Finds Possible Connection Between Anti-Covid Drug And Virus Mutations....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Researchers reported on Monday that a widely used anti-Covid drug worldwide may have induced mutations in the virus. However, there is no evidence suggesting that these mutations have resulted in more dangerous variants.

Merck, a pharmaceutical giant, introduced the antiviral pill molnupiravir early in the pandemic to prevent Covid from worsening in vulnerable individuals. Administered orally over a five-day course, the drug primarily aims to introduce mutations in the virus to weaken and eliminate it.

Nonetheless, a recent study led by the UK indicates that molnupiravir “can lead to the emergence of significantly mutated viruses that remain viable,” according to Theo Sanderson, the lead author of the study, from London’s Francis Crick Institute. Sanderson stressed that there is no current evidence that “molnupiravir has produced more transmissible or virulent viruses.” He also stated that none of the global variants can be attributed to the drug.

However, he added that it is challenging to predict whether molnupiravir treatment could potentially give rise to a new widely circulating variant for which people lack prior immunity.

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For the study, published in the journal Nature, researchers examined databases containing over 15 million genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid. They tracked changes in the virus’s mutations during the pandemic and discovered a specific “mutational signature” in patients believed to be linked to molnupiravir.

In 2022, when the drug was widely prescribed, there was a notable increase in patients displaying this mutational signature. It was more prevalent in countries where the drug was commonly prescribed, including the United States, UK, Australia, and Japan. In contrast, it was less common in countries where the drug was not approved, such as Canada and France.

Merck disputed the study, arguing that the researchers relied on “circumstantial associations” regarding where and when the sequences were collected.

Sanderson countered this assertion, stating that the researchers used “multiple independent lines of evidence” to confidently establish molnupiravir’s role in driving this mutational signature. This included a separate analysis of treatment data in England, which revealed that over 30 percent of mutation events linked to the signature occurred in individuals who had taken molnupiravir. However, the study noted that only 0.04 percent of people in England received the drug in 2022.

Other anti-Covid drugs do not operate in the same manner and would not induce these types of mutations, according to Sanderson.

Experts who were not involved in the study tended to support the British researchers’ findings. They emphasized that molnupiravir is not harmful to individuals currently taking the drug and did not call for its complete discontinuation.

Molnupiravir is increasingly being used in combination with other treatments, as its effectiveness has diminished among vaccinated individuals who are not at risk. Sales of molnupiravir, marketed as Lagevrio, exceeded $20 billion last year, but Merck reported an 82 percent drop in sales in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period the previous year.

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Tragedy in Custody: Nigerian Air Force Investigates Mysterious Death of Detained Officer

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an investigation into the death of Corporal A. S. Wulumba, a personnel attached to its Bauchi Command, who reportedly died while being held in a guardroom after arriving late for duty.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Wulumba had informed his sister, Numdarai Wulumba, on May 4, 2025, that he had been detained. She said he had arrived late to his post due to health-related issues, but his explanation was allegedly disregarded by his commanding officer, who ordered his confinement.

“Under military regulations, detention for minor offences such as lateness should not exceed 24 hours. If necessary, he should have faced a court-martial—not indefinite detention. Now he’s dead,” she lamented.

Responding to the incident on Tuesday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame expressed sorrow over the loss.

“The NAF deeply regrets to confirm the unfortunate death of Corporal A. S. Wulumba. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, colleagues, and friends during this painful time,” he stated.

He added that a board of inquiry had been established to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to Wulumba’s death.

“As part of our standard protocol, an inquiry is underway to determine exactly what happened. The Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to the welfare of its personnel and to upholding accountability and transparency,” Ejodame assured.

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Crude Oil Prices Drop To $65 — Lowest Level Since 2021

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Crude oil prices experienced a sharp decline this week, dropping to $65 per barrel — a level not seen since 2021. This downturn follows a combination of geopolitical and market factors, including new U.S. import tariffs and an unexpected supply increase from the OPEC+ alliance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Last week, prices had seen a brief uptick after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on countries importing oil from Venezuela. However, that gain was short-lived. By Friday, Brent crude fell below $65 per barrel, a price point last recorded in August 2021.

As reported by Oilprice.com, the slump was triggered by a triple impact: the U.S. tariffs, OPEC+ accelerating the rollback of production cuts, and China’s retaliatory trade measures. The global benchmark for oil dropped by $10 per barrel due to these developments.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also took a hit, closing at $61.99 — down by $4.96 or 7.4%.

“With market backwardation showing little change from earlier in the week, it’s likely the U.S. tariffs were the primary driver of this price decline,” Oilprice.com noted. “Nonetheless, this week marks a significant downturn in global oil market history.”

In a further escalation of trade tensions, China — the world’s largest oil importer — announced plans to impose a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods starting April 10. This move has intensified fears of a global economic slowdown, pushing investors to brace for a potential recession.

In addition to the trade friction, OPEC+ contributed to market pressure by announcing it would accelerate its production increase. The group now plans to add 411,000 barrels per day to the market in May — a significant jump from the previously scheduled 135,000 bpd.

These combined actions have triggered volatility in the energy markets, with industry analysts closely watching how global supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical tensions will evolve in the coming weeks.

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Multiple Accidents Trigger Major Traffic Gridlock On Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

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A serious traffic disruption occurred on Saturday along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway following a multiple-vehicle accident at the Cele Bus Stop axis. The incident involved a container-laden truck that toppled onto its side, colliding with seven other vehicles.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to an official update shared by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) via its X (formerly Twitter) account, emergency response teams were promptly deployed to the scene and are actively managing the situation.

The statement reads:
“A multiple-vehicle accident occurred at Cele along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, involving a container-laden truck and seven other vehicles. Emergency responders are already on the scene, attending to victims, while our personnel are working to manage the resulting traffic congestion.”

LASTMA further reported that the accident has led to extensive traffic delays, with the gridlock stretching back to Ijesha and spilling over into surrounding areas.

“Traffic backlog has extended to Ijesha and is currently spreading,” the agency noted.

Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise caution and consider alternative routes while rescue and traffic management efforts are ongoing.

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