Can Merck's Antiviral for COVID Succeed Where Gilead's Failed?

Can Merck's Antiviral for COVID Succeed Where Gilead's Failed?

Earlier this month, Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced it was ending clinical trials of its antiviral pill candidate for treating COVID-19, molnupiravir, on account of the potential therapy's high level of effectiveness. Take Gilead Sciences' (NASDAQ: GILD) antiviral drug, remdesivir. Will Merck's drug follow a similar or better path?