Not new. Chinese were using from almost very beginning. Has been used in usa from very beginning.
Drug that is difference maker is monoclonal antibodies. If your too dumb to get vaccinated, and unlucky enough to get covid, it impt to ask your doctor to get that. Must be one of at risk (aged, disease vulnerable etc). Have to get it early on - sooner the better. Many recover real quick from this. That's what made difference for Trump. Prolly saved his life.
Requires hospital visit for iv.