China Clears Pfizer’s COVID-19 Antiviral Paxlovid

China’s National Medical Products Administration has granted conditional approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir).

The Chinese health regulator cleared the drug for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease. The agency said the pill may be given to patients who are elderly or have chronic renal diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic lung diseases.

The approval in China is sure to increase Pfizer’s revenue this year. The company reported Paxlovid sales of $76 million for December alone after receiving FDA Emergency Use Authorization on Dec. 22.