NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 in high-risk patients

Official title: Oral Antivirals against COVID-19 and Clinical Outcomes in High Risk Populations

Funded at Veterans Health Foundation · NIH-10886497 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how well two oral antiviral medications, Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and Molnupiravir, work to treat COVID-19 in people who are at higher risk of getting very sick, so we can better understand how to help them recover.

More COVID-19 research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Foundation
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startJuly 12, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$189,375
NIH project number5R21AI174041-02
Project IDNIH-10886497 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, such as those with underlying health conditions or older adults.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not at high risk for severe COVID-19 or those who have already received effective treatment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of two oral antiviral medications, Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and Molnupiravir, in treating COVID-19 among high-risk populations. The study aims to gather real-world data on how these treatments perform in preventing severe disease and improving clinical outcomes. By analyzing patient responses and outcomes, the research seeks to provide valuable insights that can guide treatment decisions for vulnerable groups. The findings will help ensure that these antiviral agents are used appropriately based on solid clinical evidence.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for high-risk patients with COVID-19, potentially reducing hospitalizations and severe outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar antiviral treatments for COVID-19, indicating potential for success in this investigation.

Where this research is happening

  • Veterans Health Foundation
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Butt, Adeel a — Veterans Health Foundation
  • Study coordinator: Butt, Adeel a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.