VV116 versus Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir for Oral Treatment of Covid-19

This phase 3 noninferiority trial compares the oral antiviral VV116 to nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in symptomatic adults with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 at high risk for progression. Conducted in Shanghai during the Omicron wave, 822 participants were randomized to a 5-day regimen of either agent. VV116 demonstrated noninferiority with a median recovery time of 4 days vs. 5 days for nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02–1.36). Adverse events were fewer in the VV116 group (67.4% vs. 77.3%). No deaths or progression to severe disease occurred. The findings support VV116 as a viable outpatient treatment option, with advantages in safety and global availability.

This phase 3 noninferiority trial compares the oral antiviral VV116 to nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in symptomatic adults with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 at high risk for progression. Conducted in Shanghai during the Omicron wave, 822 participants were randomized to a 5-day regimen of either agent. VV116 demonstrated noninferiority with a median recovery time of 4 days vs. 5 days for nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02–1.36). Adverse events were fewer in the VV116 group (67.4% vs. 77.3%). No deaths or progression to severe disease occurred. The findings support VV116 as a viable outpatient treatment option, with advantages in safety and global availability.