Ralph Baric and colleagues at UNC did CoV and flu gain of function research (with Wuhan batwoman Shi), and were involved in the development of molnupavir/EIDD-2801/Ridgeback/Merck's oral Covid drug:
We'll see the efficacy-safety profile of molnupavir compared to brilacidin. Molnupavir has big sponsors and ease of administration, but likely much more toxicity.