Scientists from Fujita Health University (FHU) discovered that the antiviral Encitrelvir can restore the sense of smell lost due to COVID-19. The results of the study are presented at: IDWeekA meeting of infectious disease experts in Boston.
The severity and prevalence of loss of smell and taste due to COVID-19 is decreasing, but 2022 studies show that approximately 45% of patients report these symptoms. Although the antiviral drug molnupiravir showed some effectiveness, it was largely available only to people at high risk of serious disease.
In the new study, patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms received 125 or 250 mg of ensitrelvir or a placebo. At the beginning of the study, 20% of participants reported experiencing some loss of smell or taste. After three days of treatment, the number of people experiencing these symptoms in the ensitrelvir groups began to decrease faster than in the placebo group. The proportion of participants with loss of smell or taste on day seven was 39% lower in the ensitelvir 250 mg group than in the placebo group. Three weeks after starting treatment, all participants reported similar improvements.
If further studies yield comparable results, a new antiviral drug could help alleviate loss of smell and taste in people with coronavirus disease and potentially prevent mild symptoms of long Covid-19. Additionally, ensitrelvir is not just for people at high risk of serious disease.
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