Researchers at UCSF have observed that extended courses of Paxlovid may provide relief for some patients suffering from long Covid, despite the varied responses among individuals. Their case series study suggests that while Paxlovid may not be universally effective, it could benefit certain patients, particularly when administered at different doses or durations. This contrasts with previous studies that found no significant relief from long Covid symptoms using a standardized 15-day course of the antiviral.
The CDC estimates that approximately 17.6 million Americans experience long Covid, which can cause persistent symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues. The study highlights the complexity of long Covid, where responses to treatment can differ widely among individuals. For instance, out of 13 patients, five showed sustained improvement in their symptoms after extended Paxlovid use.
As research continues, understanding which patients might benefit most from extended Paxlovid courses remains crucial. UCSF’s work emphasizes the urgent need for effective treatments for long Covid, given the lack of federally approved options to date. The findings were published on January 6 in the journal Communications Medicine.
