Merck (MRK) in Talks to Deploy COVID Antiviral Lagevrio Against Ebola Outbreak

Merck & Co. (MRK) is in discussions with global health authorities to repurpose its COVID-19 antiviral pill molnupiravir, sold as Lagevrio, as a potential Ebola treatment, Chief Medical Officer Eliav Barr said on June 1, 2026. The move targets a widening outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has sickened an estimated 1,100 people and killed 42, for which no approved vaccines or treatments exist. Barr, speaking at the American Society for Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago, said the company is “talking a lot with different parties” about making the drug available. Molnupiravir, a non-specific RNA virus drug, has shown some efficacy against Ebola in animal studies and could be used to prevent infections in high-risk individuals. It is not recommended during pregnancy. Merck already sells the Ervebo vaccine for the more common Zaire Ebola strain and is exploring whether that vaccine technology can be adapted. Barr called the outbreak “very frightening” and noted the company is watching with concern as it operates HIV research sites in neighboring Uganda, which has reported nine Ebola cases and one death. The discussions could extend the commercial life of Lagevrio as pandemic-era COVID treatment demand fades.