On Apr. 15, 2021, Merck announced the discontinuation of development of MK-7110 (formerly known as CD24Fc) for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Merck acquired MK-7110 in December 2020 through its acquisition of OncoImmune.

Based on the additional research that would be required MK-7110 would not be expected to become available until the first half of 2022. Given this, Merck discontinued development of MK-7110 for COVID-19 and to focus its pandemic efforts on advancing molnupiravir and on producing Johnson & Johnsonﾒs COVID-19 vaccine.