Paxlovid did not help long Covid, study finds

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Published: 2026-09-02T00:36:06.919Z • Permanent link

A shocking study published recently in the medical journal The Lancet has found that Paxlovid, the COVID-19 antiviral medication developed by Pfizer, did not provide significant relief for patients suffering from long COVID. The study, which involved over 3,000 participants from 15 countries, tested the effectiveness of Paxlovid in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for individuals with persistent COVID-19 symptoms, also known as long COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). The results of the study, which were based on data collected from January 2021 to December 2022, have significant implications for the treatment of long COVID and may lead to changes in clinical practice.

The study was led by Dr. Richard Beigel, a prominent infectious disease expert from New York University Langone Medical Center, who has been a vocal advocate for the development of treatments for long COVID. Beigel and his team analyzed data from patients who were treated with Paxlovid and compared the results to those who received a placebo. The study found that while Paxlovid did reduce the severity of symptoms for some patients, it did not provide significant benefits for those suffering from long COVID. The results were particularly disappointing for patients who had been experiencing symptoms for over 12 weeks, with the study finding that Paxlovid was no more effective than a placebo in improving symptoms or quality of life.

The findings of the study were met with widespread media attention, with many outlets highlighting the disappointing results for Paxlovid. The study's lead author, Dr. Beigel, emphasized the importance of the results, stating that they highlight the need for further research into the treatment of long COVID. "These results suggest that Paxlovid may not be effective for everyone with long COVID," Beigel said in a statement. "We need to continue to study this condition and explore new treatments to improve the lives of those affected.

The results of the study have significant implications for the treatment of long COVID, which has become a growing concern for healthcare providers and researchers. Long COVID affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms ranging from fatigue and headaches to respiratory problems and cognitive impairment. The study's findings suggest that Paxlovid, which has been widely prescribed for COVID-19 patients, may not be effective for those suffering from long COVID.

The disappointing results for Paxlovid have also raised questions about the effectiveness of antiviral treatments for long COVID. Researchers and clinicians have long been searching for effective treatments for long COVID, with many turning to antiviral medications like Paxlovid. However, the study's findings suggest that these medications may not be the solution they had hoped for. Instead, researchers may need to explore other approaches, such as immunomodulatory therapies or biologics, to develop effective treatments for long COVID.

The study's results have also sparked concerns about the impact on companies that have invested heavily in the development of antiviral treatments for long COVID. Pfizer, the manufacturer of Paxlovid, has been a major player in the development of COVID-19 treatments, with the company's stock price rising significantly in response to the approval of Paxlovid. However, the disappointing results of the study may lead to a re-evaluation of the company's investment in long COVID research.