The U.S Food and Drug Administration has requested Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) to test another round of Paxlovid on patients experiencing rebound COVID-19 after treatment. The regulator also asked Pfizer to produce the first results from a randomisPFEed controlled trial that evaluated the effects of a second oral drug dose. The regulator expects these results by September 30.
The order comes after an increased number of cases where patients have recurring symptoms or viral infection after treatment with Paxlovid. While the company claims that the cases are rare, the FDA has started talks with Pfizer over the matter.
The FDA has stated the need for a protocol to treat people with recurring infection
It is now working with Pfizer to come up with appropriate measures.
Famous cases of rebound infection
The most famous case of a rebound infection was with U.S President Joe Biden. The President experienced symptoms days after he was treated with Paxlovid. Biden tested positive for seven straight days after his rebound diagnosis.
Biden had initially tested positive on July 21. He was treated and then tested negative twice after his isolation. Days later, the president tested positive again and developed symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough.
Another famous case for rebound COVID was with Dr Anthony Fauci, Biden’s Chief Medical Adviser. Dr Fauci reports that he experienced worse symptoms after he received treatment due to his first round of infection. Fauci, who is 81 l, received Paxlovid as his age put him at risk for severe disease. He states that the drug served this purpose and protected him from severe illness.
The CDC gives guidelines for rebound illness
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention advises people with rebound disease after taking Paxlovid to isolate and keep wearing masks for ten days from the reappearance of symptoms. While many still test positive after ten days, they are less likely to shed the virus.
Although many people believe the rebound disease only occurs in people who takes Paxlovid, a new study indicates that anyone could experience it. The study indicates that 27% of untreated people experience rebound symptoms a month after the initial infection. However, this research isn’t peer reviewed.
