Paxlovid's post-exposure protection flop hardly spells the end for Pfizer's COVID franchise: analysts

Heavy is the head that wears the COVID-19 crown. Late last week, Pfizer revealed its antiviral Paxlovid fell short in a post-exposure protection trial. Still, in the pill’s quest to reach as many patients as possible, one setback doesn’t spell defeat.

Top-line results from the phase 2/3 EPIC-PEP study showed a five- and 10-day Paxlovid course curbed the risk of infection by 32% and 37%, respectively, versus placebo, in adults exposed to the virus through someone they live with. The readout fell short of statistical significance, the company said late Friday.