COVID Antivirals Less Effective Than First Thought, Research Finds
Taxpayers have poured $2 billion into oral antivirals, but researchers say falling risk and changing virus strains mean it's time to reassess.
Australian research published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases indicates that routine use of expensive oral COVID-19 antivirals may need reassessment. The findings suggest that clinical trials have not demonstrated a significant reduction in hospitalizations or deaths in vaccinated populations. This comes as the PBAC is set to review these drugs, including Paxlovid and Lagevrio, which have seen over 1.5 million PBS prescriptions since early 2022.
- New Australian research questions the routine use of expensive oral COVID-19 antivirals.
- Clinical trials have reportedly not shown a significant reduction in hospitalisation or death among vaccinated populations.
- Findings published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases by UNSW and Monash University researchers.
- The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) is scheduled to review the drugs later this year.
- High taxpayer costs associated with the antivirals are a point of concern.
- Over 1.5 million Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions have been issued for Paxlovid and Lagevrio since January 2022.
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