FDA panel narrowly recommends authorization of first antiviral pill to treat Covid-19

A panel of experts convened by the Food and Drug Administration voted by a slim margin on Tuesday to recommend the agency authorize the Covid treatment developed by Merck and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, after a vigorous debate about the risks and benefits of the first oral drug to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The FDA is not obligated to follow the advice of the panels it convenes, but it usually does.