Paxlovid over remdesivir, as well as over Merck's molnupiravir pill and monoclonal antibodies. Patients must start taking their Paxlovid pills within five days of the onset of symptoms -- the course then lasts five days.
WHO has also updated its recommendation on remdesivir, another antiviral medicine. Previously, WHO had suggested against its use in all COVID-19 patients regardless of disease severity, due to the totality of the evidence at that time showing little or no effect on mortality.
Following publication of new data from a clinical trial looking at the outcome of admission to hospital, WHO has updated its recommendation.