FDA Authorizes Paxlovid — First Oral Antiviral Pill for COVID-19

The FDA grants Emergency Use Authorization for Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), Pfizer's oral antiviral pill. Clinical trials show ~89% reduction in hospitalization or death when taken within 5 days of symptom onset. Merck's molnupiravir receives EUA on December 23, though with lower efficacy at ~30%.