Paxlovid did not help long Covid, study finds

A clinical trial published in Lancet Infectious Diseases has found that the antiviral drug Paxlovid, typically used to treat acute COVID-19, does not alleviate symptoms of long COVID in 959 adult patients. Long COVID, a chronic condition that arises after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and persists for at least three months, can manifest in various ways such as cognitive dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, or exercise intolerance/post-exertional malaise.

The NIH's RECOVER Initiative conducted the trial, known as RECOVER-VITAL Viral Persistence (Paxlovid), to investigate whether Paxlovid could alleviate long COVID symptoms by targeting residual virus in the body. Participants, who took the drug for five days, were divided into three symptom groups and assigned to one of three treatment groups, including a placebo.

While Paxlovid did not improve long COVID symptoms compared to the placebo over six months, the study did not reveal serious side effects from extended treatment. Lead investigator Dr. Lindsey Baden emphasized that the trial provided valuable insights into characterizing and measuring long COVID symptoms. The RECOVER-VITAL team, comprising patients, caregivers, and community representatives, along with study site advisors, helped refine the study protocol and participant experience.

Additional RECOVER Clinical Trials are ongoing to explore treatments for long COVID symptoms impacting quality of life.