The FDA has updated its emergency authorizations for Pfizer’s Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir) and Merck’s Lagevrio (molnupiravir) to allow dispensing of the drugs without a positive COVID-19 test.

The agency continues to recommend testing but recognizes that individuals with a recent known exposure may be diagnosed with COVID-19 “even if they have a negative test result,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The updated authorizations were supported by data from a phase 2/3 clinical trial for Paxlovid and a phase 3 study for Lagevrio.

Paxlovid is authorized for patients who are 12 years and older and who weigh at least 88 pounds with a current diagnosis of mild-to-moderate COVID-19.

Lagevrio is authorized to treat adults with a current diagnosis of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.