Nirmatrelvir or Molnupiravir Use and Severe Outcomes From Omicron Infections

Question: What outcomes are associated with ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir or molnupiravir use for outpatient treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, particularly BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5, in high-risk individuals?

Findings: In a cohort study of 68 867 patients who received a diagnosis of COVID-19 at Cleveland Clinic from April 1, 2022, to February 20, 2023, and who were at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, both nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir use were significantly associated with reductions in hospitalization and death. The association was observed across subgroups defined by age, race and ethnicity, date of diagnosis, vaccination status, previous infection status, and coexisting conditions.

Meaning: These findings suggest that both nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir can be used to treat nonhospitalized patients who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.