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Shionogi Launches XOCOVA in the U.S. for Prevention of COVID-19 Following Exposure
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Shionogi has announced the U.S. availability of XOCOVA® (ensitrelvir), the first and only oral antiviral approved to help prevent COVID-19 after exposure. The treatment is indicated for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older who have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 and is now available through the company's U.S. subsidiary, Shionogi Inc.
XOCOVA works by blocking viral replication during the period between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms. The treatment is taken once daily for five days, beginning with a loading dose of 375 mg on the first day, followed by 125 mg once daily on days two to five. It should be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours of exposure to an infected individual.
The launch comes as health authorities continue to monitor seasonal increases in COVID-19 cases in the United States. The company highlighted that post-exposure prophylaxis is an established approach used for other infectious diseases and may help reduce the burden of COVID-19 by preventing infection after exposure.
Shionogi is supporting the commercial rollout of XOCOVA through healthcare professional and public education programmes, alongside partnerships with national and regional pharmacy networks to improve product availability across the United States.
The company is also offering a co-pay assistance programme for eligible commercially insured patients to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
For the U.S. market, all stages of XOCOVA manufacturing, including active pharmaceutical ingredient production, drug formulation, packaging, quality control, release testing, supply chain management and distribution, are carried out within the United States.
Source: shionogi.com
