A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that an extended 15-day course of Paxlovid can significantly reduce long COVID symptoms in patients who have suffered for months or even years. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 62% improvement rate.
The treatment protocol differs from the standard 5-day course used for acute COVID infections. Researchers found that the longer duration helps clear persistent viral reservoirs that may be driving chronic symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues.
Approximately 17 million Americans are estimated to be living with some form of long COVID, many unable to work or maintain normal daily activities. Previous treatments have been largely supportive, making this the first targeted antiviral approach to show substantial efficacy.
Pfizer has filed for an expanded use authorization with the FDA, and the agency is expected to issue a decision by June 2026. In the meantime, some physicians are prescribing off-label based on the trial results.
Patient advocacy groups are cautiously optimistic. "This gives us hope, but we need insurance companies to cover the extended course without requiring excessive prior authorizations," says Long COVID Alliance president Maria Santos.
