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COVID-19 remains a significant challenge for healthcare systems, contributing to hospitalizations, long-term health complications, and economic burdens. Prevention remains a key component of management, with strategies such as PrEP, PEP, and early therapeutic intervention playing a critical role in reducing transmission, preventing severe illness, and minimizing long-term complications. However, high-risk populations, such as those with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung diseases, chronic kidney disease, and immunocompromising conditions, remain vulnerable to severe disease outcomes.

FDA Approves Ensitrelvir for Postexposure Prophylaxis of COVID-19

On June 1, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ensitrelvir for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older following contact with an individual with active COVID-19. The approval marks the first oral antiviral option in the United States indicated to help prevent COVID-19 after a known exposure.

Ensitrelvir is a SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor administered as a 5-day oral regimen. Its approval was supported by results from the Phase 3 SCORPIO-PEP trial, in which ensitrelvir reduced the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 by 67% compared with placebo through Day 10 in exposed, uninfected individuals.

Click Here to register for the COVID-19 Satellite Symposium happening in Nashville and virtually this October.