Back off the enthusiasm
Read this first,
Molnupiravir is a far more active coronavirus antiviral than favipiravir and ribavirin, yet NHC has the distinct ability of causing mutations in cell DNA. The concern is that such mutations could lead to cancer or birth defects in a developing fetus. Whether or not Molnupiravir might cause cancer in humans is not known. However Merck, the developer of Molnupiravir, is required to carry out a series of gene toxicity studies before phase I testing of the compound in humans. Included is the Ames test, which uses bacteria to assess mutagenic activity of a compound. Bacteria do have the enzyme which can convert NHC to the DNA form. The results of these safety studies will not be published until after the drug receives EUA, but presumably nothing was observed that would preclude clinical trials.
https://www.virology.ws/2021/10/14/molnupiravir-the-sars-cov-2-antiviral-is-mutagenic-for-cells/