PAxlovid loNg cOvid-19 pRevention triAl With recruitMent In the Community in Norway
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare treatment with oral Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and placebo for acute COVID-19 as an intervention to prevent long-COVID (post-COVID-19 condition) in adults aged 18-64 years old. The main question it aims to answer is: Does treatment with Paxlovid for acute COVID-19 reduce the prevalence of long-COVID compared to placebo. Participants with acute COVID-19, documented with positive lateral flow test or PCR, within the last 5 days will be randomised to take either Paxlovid or placebo. All participants will receive standard of care in addition. Participants will respond to electronic questionnaires at 14 time points during follow-up. The primary outcome is presence of long-COVID symptoms at 3 months follow-up. Researchers will compare participants who received Paxlovid and placebo to see if Paxlovid treatment can prevent the occurrence of long-COVID.
• Symptoms attributable to COVID-19 started within the past 5 days and ongoing
• Positive PCR or lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 test. Any positive PCR test or a lateral flow test taken between two days before symptom onset and randomisation qualifies.
• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Participant is able and willing to provide informed consent
• Willingness to take a pregnancy test prior to starting study treatment (Participants of childbearing potential)