WHO urges uptake of Pfizer COVID pill for patients with ‘non-severe COVID-19’

The World Health Organization this week urged the uptake of Pfizer’s COVID pill for patients who have not yet developed a severe case of COVID-19 but are at high risk of doing so.

WHO said in a press release on Friday that the drug Paxlovid should be used by “mild and moderate COVID-19 patients at highest risk of hospital admission.”

“Pfizer’s oral antiviral drug (a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets) is strongly recommended for patients with non-severe COVID-19 who are at highest risk of developing severe disease and hospitalization, such as unvaccinated, older, or immunosuppressed patients,” the organization said.

According to WHO, early data indicate that “hospitalization is reduced by 85% following this treatment.”

“WHO suggests against its use in patients at lower risk, as the benefits were found to be negligible,” the press release noted.