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Ensitrelvir Reduces COVID-19 Risk for Contacts

medicalxpress.com · 15 May 2026
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Why this is here: Participants receiving ensitrelvir experienced a 64% reduction in the risk of developing COVID-19 compared to those receiving a placebo.

Japanese researchers report ensitrelvir cuts COVID-19 infection risk by roughly 64% in household contacts. The phase three trial involved 500 participants in Japan who received either ensitrelvir or a placebo within three days of a household member developing COVID-19 symptoms. Participants took the medication orally for five days.

The study shows 28 of 250 people taking ensitrelvir developed COVID-19. In comparison, 76 of 250 people taking the placebo contracted the virus. Researchers observed no serious adverse effects from the drug.

The trial did not assess ensitrelvir’s effectiveness against all COVID-19 variants. Further research needs to explore the drug's impact on different strains and in diverse populations beyond Japan. The team continues to investigate antiviral options for managing COVID-19.

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