Medscape: Analysis boosts Fluvoxamine for COVID, but what's the evidence?
UC expert says research may be useful, but more trials are needed
A report published recently in JAMA Open Network finds there's a strong likelihood that the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox) may moderately lower rates of hospitalization due to COVID-19 in unvaccinated patients. However, outside experts cited by Medscape differ over whether the evidence from just three studies is strong enough to warrant adding the drug to the COVID-19 treatment arsenal. One of those experts sources is Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine/Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
"This research might be valuable, but the jury remains out until several other adequately powered and designed trials are completed," said Fichtenbaum, who's familiar with the findings. "I'm not sure how useful this is given we have several antiviral agents available. Why would we choose this over Paxlovid, remdesivir, or molnupiravir?"
According to Fichtenbaum, researchers began focusing on fluvoxamine after case reports about patients improving while on the medication. This led to further interest, he said, boosted by the drug's known ability to dampen the immune system.
Lead photo/Science News
Next Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's medical, graduate and undergraduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Chris Higgins named UC Foundation Vice President for Development, Academic Health Enterprise
January 6, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Foundation is pleased to welcome Chris Higgins as the new Vice President for Development, Academic Health Enterprise.
UC's art collection on display at the Contemporary Arts Center
January 5, 2026
University of Cincinnati leaders joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to talk about the university’s 200-year-old art collection, a new exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center and the release of a companion book exploring the collection’s role in education and public engagement.
UC faculty and staff among Rising Star leadership honorees
January 5, 2026
Two UC faculty and staff members are among this year's Rising Star leadership program sponsored by YWCA Greater Cincinnati. Kelli Beecher, assistant professor in the UC College of Nursing, and Brittany Bibb, assistant director of programs and operations in the UC Division of Student Affairs, are among the emerging leaders of 2026. They were featured in the publication Movers & Makers.