Do Antivirals During Acute COVID-19 Lower Risk for Long COVID?

A randomized molnupiravir trial shows slightly lower risk.

Several large observational studies have suggested that using molnupiravir to treat patients with acute COVID-19 lowers the prevalence of persistent symptoms (i.e., long COVID). In the open-label PANORAMIC randomized trial, researchers enrolled 26,000 people (largely vaccinated against COVID-19; age, ≥50 or <50 with major risk factors) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between December 2021 and March 2022; patients were randomized to molnupiravir plus regular care or regular care alone. Adherence to medications and follow-up were both excellent. Molnupiravir substantially shortened time to recovery in patients with acute COVID-19 (NEJM JW Gen Med Feb 1 2023 and Lancet 2023; 401:281).

The investigators now report outcomes at 3 and 6 months. …

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Do Antivirals During Acute COVID-19 Lower Risk for Long COVID?

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Reviewing Author