A phase 3 Study of ensitrelvir in japanese participants aged 6-11 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection

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• Picked for Pediatrics and Child Health (top studies of the week, 11 October 2026): Ensitrelvir safe with favorable PK in children with COVID‑19

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Children aged <12 years with COVID-19 have limited treatment options; currently approved oral antivirals are restricted by age or bodyweight. We evaluated the safety and plasma concentration-time profiles and exploratory efficacy of ensitrelvir, a once-daily oral 3C-like protease inhibitor, in children with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in Japan. METHODS: This phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomized (2:1) participants aged 6 to <12 years presenting ≤72 h after COVID-19 onset to receive ensitrelvir (bodyweight-based dosing) or placebo once daily for 5 days. Primary endpoints were safety and PK. Secondary endpoints included change in viral RNA and time to resolution (TTR) of key COVID-19 symptoms (stuffy or runny nose and cough) plus fever. RESULTS: Of 117 randomized participants (median age 10 years), 78 received ensitrelvir and 39 received placebo. Ensitrelvir was well tolerated with no new safety concerns. Plasma concentration-time profiles were similar across bodyweight categories (20 to <30, 30 to <40, and ≥40 kg). Ensitrelvir reduced viral RNA vs placebo on Day 4, by approximately 1.0 log10 copies/mL (95% CI, -1.45 to -0.47). Median TTR of key COVID-19 symptoms was 140.5 h with ensitrelvir and 146.2 h with placebo (median difference -5.7 h [95% CI, -73.6 to 43.4 h]). CONCLUSIONS: In children aged 6 to <12 years with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 treated with ensitrelvir, we observed a favorable safety profile, adult-matched plasma concentration-time profile, and a greater reduction in viral RNA vs placebo. Ensitrelvir represents a potential treatment option for underserved pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCT2031230140 (https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT2031230140).

Abstract as published, via PubMed.