Comparing molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir efficacy and the effects on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in animal models.

ABSTRACT: Therapeutic options against SARS-CoV-2 are underutilized. Two oral drugs, molnupiravir and paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), have received emergency use authorization. Initial trials suggested greater efficacy of paxlovid, but recent studies indicated comparable potency in older adults. Here, we compare both drugs in two animal models; the Roborovski dwarf hamster model for severe COVID-19-like lung infection and the ferret SARS-CoV-2 transmission model. Dwarf hamsters treated with either drug survive VOC omicron infection with equivalent lung titer reduction. Viral RNA copies in the upper respiratory tract of female ferrets receiving 1.25 mg/kg molnupiravir twice-daily are not significantly reduced, but infectious titers are lowered by >2 log orders and direct-contact transmission is sto

SUBMITTER: Cox RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10406822 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature