Early Treatment with Pegylated Interferon Lambda for Covid-19

This phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of a single dose of pegylated interferon lambda for treating outpatients with symptomatic Covid-19. Conducted in Brazil and Canada, the trial enrolled predominantly vaccinated adults within 7 days of symptom onset. The treatment group had significantly fewer Covid-19-related hospitalizations and extended emergency department visits than the placebo group (2.7% vs. 5.6%), with a relative risk reduction of 51%. Benefits were consistent across variants, vaccination statuses, and patients with high baseline viral loads. The study supports interferon lambda as a potentially convenient antiviral option with broad-spectrum efficacy and an acceptable safety profile.

This phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of a single dose of pegylated interferon lambda for treating outpatients with symptomatic Covid-19. Conducted in Brazil and Canada, the trial enrolled predominantly vaccinated adults within 7 days of symptom onset. The treatment group had significantly fewer Covid-19-related hospitalizations and extended emergency department visits than the placebo group (2.7% vs. 5.6%), with a relative risk reduction of 51%. Benefits were consistent across variants, vaccination statuses, and patients with high baseline viral loads. The study supports interferon lambda as a potentially convenient antiviral option with broad-spectrum efficacy and an acceptable safety profile.