Hong Kong Study of Oral Antivirals Shows Promise for Omicron Patients

First study of oral antivirals in hospitalized omicron patients

Molnupiravir, developed by Merck & Co Inc. and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP for oral treatment of COVID-19, is seen in this undated handout photo released by Merck & Co Inc., on Oct. 26, 2021. Merck & Co Inc./Reuters

A study conducted by Hong Kong University (HKU) Medical School found that two oral drugs, molnupiravir and ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir, could reduce the risk of death in COVID-19 patients if used at the early stage of hospital admission. Molnupiravir reduced the risk of all-cause death by 52 percent, while a 66 percent reduction was observed with patients taking nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.

The results were published online in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on Aug. 24.