Molnupiravir was associated with a decreased the risk of hospitalization from Covid-19 by only 30%, compared to a reduction of almost 90% with Pfizer's PAXLOVID. The FDA advisory committee also limited its use in non-pregnant adults because of their concerns about the potential risk of mutations in human DNA.

The agency’s advisers cited concerns about the increased incidence of a rare but potentially serious blood clotting condition among those who received the company’s shot.

Federal regulators concluded that the risk of developing the syndrome was low, and that the benefits of the vaccine still strongly outweigh it.