New anti-Covid pill to be rolled out on the Welsh NHS

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 has confirmed that 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 those who are 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 with nearly 10,000 people treated across the UK to date.

Paxlovid will be made available to at-risk patients on the NHS on the same date across the UK. According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) the UK has procured more antivirals per head than any other country in Europe with more than 4.98m courses ordered so far.

England’s health and social care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our pharmaceutical defences are crucial as we learn to live with Covid-19 and the UK is leading the way, especially when it comes to the use of cutting-edge antivirals.

“This is an important milestone – especially as Paxlovid has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death for vulnerable patients by 88% meaning potentially thousands of lives could be saved.”

Meanwhile people in Wales at increased risk of severe Covid-19 can also take part in a UK-wide study into how the antiviral tablet molnupiravir, taken at home, can help reduce the severity of the virus, speed up recovery, and avoid the need for treatments in hospital.

The Panoramic study (Platform adaptive trial of novel antivirals for early treatment of Covid-19 in the community) is the first clinical trial of its kind. The trial is being led by Oxford University and delivered in Wales by Public Health Wales, Health and Care Research Wales. and Cardiff University.

The study 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.

Toby Tattersall, 57, from Llandrindod Wells, joined the Panoramic trial after testing positive for Covid-19. He and his wife, who have four children, have worked for the past 28 years as GPs at their local practice.

“I first found out about the trial by a text from Health and Care Research Wales following my positive result,” Toby said.

“I followed the link on the text and filled in a questionnaire to see if I was eligible for the study. I then had a follow-up call from a GP about being involved. It was all easier than I thought it would be.

“I was allocated into the treatment arm of the trial so the GP sent the antiviral tablets via courier to my home address.

“Now all I have to do is take the antiviral tablets every 12 hours and fill in a daily diary entry on email about my symptoms and how I feel.”

He added: “I’m a great believer in medical research and I trust the staff who make these trials happen. Any time you have a chance to be involved in research you should go for it.

“Research is the only way forward and trials like this one are the best way to find new treatments.”

Dr Andrew Carson-Stevens, principal investigator for Wales for the Panoramic Study and Health and Care Research Wales specialty lead for primary care, said: “The drug is absorbed by Covid-19 infected cells and then blocks the virus replicating, which should help to reduce the risk of serious disease.

“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 very well give me another way to help my patients with Covid.

“It could be a game-changer for our patients. The more patients 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.”

Dr Nicola Williams, director of support and delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, which is nationally coordinating recruitment to the study in Wales, said: “It’s important to act quickly so if you have a positive LFT or PCR or symptoms in the last five days we encourage you to visit the Panoramic website as soon as possible.

“We’ve already recruited 600 people in Wales into the study who are helping us answer questions about treatments for their friends and relatives in the future.

“Panoramic is another example of how Wales has contributed to life-changing UK and global studies into various vaccines, boosters, and treatments and I’m so proud of the whole team involved.”

Visit the Panoramic study website to register and find out more.