Coronavirus Watch: Paxlovid, rebound cases and FDA approval

New evidence shows that the COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid is not actually linked to "rebound" cases.

The side effect was commonly attributed to Paxlovid, where a person would test positive for COVID or have symptoms showing up again two to eight days after recovery. 

But new evidence suggests COVID rebound may have occurred "as part of the natural progression and resolution of COVID-19 disease," regardless of Paxlovid treatment. The FDA concluded that between 10% and 16% of patients had symptoms return regardless of whether they took Paxlovid or a placebo pill.

Meanwhile, Paxlovid is one step closer to full FDA approval after an advisory panel last week said the drug's benefits outweigh the risks when used to treat mild to moderate COVID in adults who are at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization or death. 

The recommendation comes more than a year after the FDA authorized the antiviral under emergency use. The FDA is expected to make the final decision in May, according to the Associated Press. 

– Adrianna Rodriguez, health reporter