FDA Approves Ensitrelvir to Prevent COVID-19 After Exposure
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By
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Kathryn Wighton
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June 2, 2026
Objective:
To report the FDA approval of ensitrelvir for postexposure prophylaxis of COVID-19.
Key Findings:
- Ensitrelvir reduced the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 by 67% through day 10 compared with placebo.
- Overall adverse event rates were similar between treatment groups, with 15.1% in the ensitrelvir group and 15.5% in the placebo group.
- The most common adverse events were headache, diarrhea, and cough.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
- Participants had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, or both, which may limit generalizability based on study findings.
Conclusion: