Clinical trials of Paxlovid and molnupiravir were so successful, they were stopped early. Results showed the pills were much more effective than placebos. Pfizer’s clinical trial found Paxlovid reduced a person’s risk of hospitalization by 89% when given within three days of symptom onset. Merck’s clinical trial showed molnupiravir cut the rate of hospitalization or death by 30% when the drug was given within five days of symptoms onset.
It is important to note that both of these clinical trials were conducted in a small number of patients, and molnupiravir is still authorized for emergency use but are not FDA-approved, and the full extent of risks and benefits may not yet be determined.