In a recent study conducted by Stanford University researchers, it has been found that a 15-day course of Pfizer's COVID-19 antiviral treatment, Paxlovid, did not alleviate long COVID symptoms. Long COVID refers to the persisting symptoms that can last for several months after the initial coronavirus infection, for which there are currently no proven treatments available.

Despite hopes raised by anecdotal reports of patients claiming improvement with Paxlovid, the study involving 155 participants over a period of 15 weeks failed to show any significant benefits of the treatment over a placebo. Symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, body aches, and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular issues were not relieved by the 15-day course. On average, the trial participants had been ill for more than 16 months prior to their enrollment.

Dr. Upinder Singh, a professor at Stanford Medicine, observed that the study did not indicate any measurable difference in patient-reported outcomes for the six composite symptoms collectively or individual symptoms specifically. However, Dr. Singh believes that further exploration of Paxlovid's potential as a long COVID treatment may still hold promise, suggesting longer courses or testing patients who have been sick for shorter durations.

Despite the disappointing results, the study did confirm the safety of Paxlovid when used for a 15-day period, which is longer than the current prescribed 5-day course for early infection or symptom onset. In a statement, Pfizer mentioned that these findings would not affect its ongoing collaborative studies investigating Paxlovid's potential for treating long COVID.

Paxlovid, which is currently the most widely prescribed at-home treatment for COVID-19 in the United States, is approved for adults at risk of severe complications from the illness. In previous clinical trials, the treatment had shown success in reducing hospitalizations and death by approximately 90% for unvaccinated individuals at risk of serious disease. However, results for those considered at standard risk, including vaccinated patients, were not favorable.

The long COVID study was funded by Pfizer and involved the collaboration of researchers from Stanford, Kaiser Permanente North California, and Pfizer. While the study did not yield positive outcomes, it does highlight the importance of continued research and exploration of potential treatments for long COVID, as the condition continues to affect a significant number of individuals worldwide.