Merck antiviral used more than expected, data shows

Physicians have been prescribing Merck's COVID-19 antiviral at higher-than-expected rates amid shortages of Pfizer's antiviral Paxlovid, The Wall Street Journal reported March 14.

Clinical trial results show Paxlovid is more effective than Merck's molnupiravir, spurring the FDA to recommend clinicians use the latter only when alternative treatment options are not accessible or clinically appropriate.