The company announced updated results from a standard-risk study, which it will include in its overall new drug application, but whether Paxlovid will see approval or uptake in that group is another question.

AstraZeneca also published efficacy data for Evusheld in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, while Pfizer is investing $120m in expanding its Paxlovid manufacturing footprint in Michigan.

Pfizer, Merck, Eli Lilly and Gilead all benefited from the sale of vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, but the long-term growth prospects remain uncertain, and more so for some than others.

A few cases of COVID-19 relapse have Twitter abuzz about the need for data on Paxlovid’s effectiveness, particularly against the Omicron variant and in vaccinated individuals. Despite regulatory approval in India, the drug has not yet been included in treatment guidelines and a debate on recommended dosage now complicates matters