Paxlovid “rebound” is a growing concern as is resistance generally to existing covid antivirals. With covid still a risk to vulnerable groups, what does current research make of Paxlovid’s place in our treatment options? Katharine Lang reports
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) is one of many oral antivirals that have been tested against SARS-CoV-2. Several showed promise in early trials, but few of them realised that potential. The two that have stayed the course are Merck’s Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and Pfizer’s Paxlovid. An overview of two observational studies suggests that, in clinical use, Paxlovid is more effective, although that commentary didn’t look at the safety of either drug.1
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency granted conditional market authorisation for Paxlovid in December 2021 after it was found to be “safe and effective at reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death in unvaccinated people with mild to moderate covid-19 infec