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NICE has updated the guidance on Paxlovid, a drug used to treat severe Covid-19, to expand its use to a further 1.4 million people.
Paxlovid (also called nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir) is already available for an estimated 3.9 million people who do not need supplemental oxygen for Covid-19 and who have an increased risk for progression to severe Covid-19.
This includes people with certain cancers, people who have had haematological stem cell transplant or who have a haematological disease and people with liver or kidney disease.
Following a partial review, the following groups will also have access to Paxlovid if they test positive for Covid 19:
- People aged 85 years and over.
- People with end-stage heart failure who have a long-term ventricular assistance device.
- People on the organ transplant waiting list.
- People aged 70 years and over, or who have a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or more, diabetes or heart failure, and are resident in a care home, or are already hospitalised.
Paxlovid offers value for money for a wider group of patients
Paxlovid is an antiviral medicine, given as two separate tablets to people within five days of getting Covid-19 symptoms. It works by stopping the virus from growing and spreading in the body. Nirmatrelvir stops the virus from growing and spreading, and ritonavir helps nirmatrelvir from being broken down in the body while it is working.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation said: “Our review of the evidence on the use of Paxlovid has found it offers value for money for a wider group of patients. This is good news for people who may contract Covid-19 in the coming months and will help alleviate pressure on the health service. NICE is focused on getting the best care to patients while ensuring the NHS can continue to deliver maximum value to the taxpayer.
“Although we are no longer in a pandemic, Covid-19 is still circulating and we are pleased that more people at risk of severe disease can benefit from Paxlovid.”