Pfizer wins first-stage approval for Paxlovid for high-risk covid patients

US Food and Drug Administration says data supports the drug's use and on Thursday the FDA will discuss giving it full approval

Pfizer’s plant in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, which manufactures Paxlovid. File picture 

The US health regulator’s staff reviewers said data from Pfizer’s covid-19 drug trials supports its use in adults at high risk of progressing to severe disease.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made its assessment in briefing documents ahead of a meeting of the agency’s external advisers on Thursday to discuss full approval to use Pfizer’s oral pill for high-risk covid-19 patients patients exhibiting mild to moderate symptoms.