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Research Finds Possible Connection Between Anti-Covid Drug And Virus Mutations
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.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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