Medical History Mysteries: Paxlovid, the new Pfizer COVID-19 drug

Jan. 26, 2022
There’s a new drug on the market that limits the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Drs. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz and Tom Viola discuss exactly what we know about Paxlovid right now.

Pfizer has a new drug to combat COVID-19—Paxlovid. A lot of innovation has gone into developing this drug, and Dr. Tom Viola thinks it will turn the tide of the pandemic in our favor.

Paxlovid is based on the sound technology that was proven successful in fighting HIV. How does it work? Paxlovid prevents the SARS-CoV-2 virus from replicating itself and spreading. The drug is taken orally to limit the severity of COVID-19 symptoms to offer better outcomes for patients.

Several questions arise: Who is eligible to get Paxlovid? Does vaccine status play a role in whether you can get this drug? Is the drug effective for the entire COVID family of viruses or just specific variants?

In this episode of Medical History Mysteries, Dr. Tom Viola and I talk about what we know right now about Paxlovid.

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

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