Covid-19 Live Updates: Double Masks Offer Better Protection, CDC Finds – WSJ.com – The Wall Street Journal

Merck & Co. is in talks with governments, public-health authorities and companies to potentially help with manufacturing Covid-19 vaccines already authorized, a company spokesman said.

The discussions mean Merck could play an even larger role in responding to the pandemic, beyond its current effort in advancing two potential Covid-19 therapies, according to Merck.

Helping manufacture Covid-19 vaccines could also allow the Kenilworth, N.J.-based company to remain involved in the global vaccination drive. Last month, Merck scrapped its two vaccine programs after disappointing results in clinical trials.

"We believe we have an important responsibility to contribute to the pandemic response and remain at the ready to do so," the spokesman said.

Global supply of Covid-19 vaccines, first authorized by governments late last year, remains in limited supply, prompting vaccine-makers such as Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE to partner with rivals. On Wednesday, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Chief Executive Kare Schultz said the Israeli drugmaker is in talks with Covid-19 vaccine makers to help manufacture shots.

Many scientists and public-health experts placed high hopes on Merck, which pioneered vaccines that have become staples around the world, including the first to prevent mumps, chickenpox, rubella and shingles. The company was slower than rivals to pursue Covid-19 vaccines, and executives expressed concern about the years vaccine research usually takes, and that it would divert resources from thriving areas, such as cancer drugs, The Wall Street Journal reported in October.

One of the experimental drugs Merck is working on would treat severe and critical Covid-19 patients. Merck received the drug through a $425 million acquisition of the firm OncoImmune. Merck expects results from a late-stage study by the end of March.

Another therapy, an oral antiviral called molnupiravir and developed with privately held Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, is under evaluation in hospitalized and outpatient Covid-19 patients.

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Covid-19 Live Updates: Double Masks Offer Better Protection, CDC Finds - WSJ.com - The Wall Street Journal