Anti-Covid pill soon on Welsh NHS for most vulnerable

AN antiviral pill to prevent at-risk groups from becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 will be rolled out on the Welsh NHS from next month.

The Welsh Government confirmed the antiviral PF-07321332+ritonavir will be made available to people with weakened immune systems from February 10.

Clinical studies have suggested the drug, which is made by Pfizer and also known as Paxlovid, can cut the risk of hospital admission or death by 88% if given in the first five days of symptoms. It is especially important for people with weakened immune systems who may not get maximum protection from vaccines. People considered to be at highest risk include the immunocompromised, cancer patients, and those with Down’s syndrome.

Another antiviral, molnupiravir, and the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab are already being given to high-risk patients.

People in Wales at increased risk of severe Covid-19 can also take part in a UK-wide study into molnupiravir taken at home.

The Panoramic study, the first clinical trial of its kind, is being led by Oxford University and delivered in Wales by Public Health Wales, Health and Care Research Wales. and Cardiff University. It is open to those over 50, or people between 18 and 49 with an underlying health condition with a positive Covid-19 test (PCR or LFT) and symptoms for less than five days.

Dr Andrew CarsonStevens, principal investigator for Wales for the Panoramic Study and Health and Care Research Wales speciality lead for primary care, said: “The drug is absorbed by Covid-19 infected cells and then blocks the virus replicating.

“Vaccines and boosters are still the best way to protect ourselves as individuals and as a community. But as a GP this research is exciting because it could be a game-changer for our patients. The more we can recruit the sooner we will have those answers and the sooner this drug could become part of our everyday approach to managing Covid in the community. Please sign up or give us a call.”