US federal health regulators say an experimental Covid-19 pill from Merck is effective but will seek input from outside experts on risks of birth defects and other problems during pregnancy.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted its analysis of the pill before a public meeting next week where academic and other experts will weigh in. The agency isn’t required to follow the group’s advice.
FDA scientists said their review had identified potential risks including possible toxicity and birth defects. Given those risks, the FDA will ask advisers if the drug should never be given during pregnancy or could be made available in some cases.
Under that scenario, the FDA said, the drug would carry warnings about risks during pregnancy but
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