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Three new Covid treatments will become available on the NHS to people at highest risk of developing severe disease, following guidance published by NICE today.
The new drugs will be available to people both in the hospital or at home in the community, reducing symptom severity and the risk of hospitalisation.
Studies found the drugs to effective in treating Covid-19
Those who are immunosuppressed or who have other conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, or neurological conditions will be offered either nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid), sotrovimab (Xevudy) or tocilizumab (RoActemra) to take at home or in hospital, depending on the patient’s individual circumstances:
- Paxlovid is recommended for adults who do not need supplemental oxygen for Covid-19 and who have an increased risk for progression to severe Covid-19
- Xevudy is recommended for the same group where Paxlovid is contraindicated or unsuitable
- RoActemra is recommended for treating Covid-19 in adults who are having systemic corticosteroids and need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
The treatments were approved after research found that all three are both cost-effective and effective in treating Covid-19.
“Something for everyone”
NICE says they will continue to monitor the efficacy of all three treatments as new Covid variants emerge. To do this, the board has developed a new review process so it can update its recommendations should new evidence surface.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “In recommending these treatments, we have been able to strike the right balance between their effectiveness and the best use of public funding as we come out of the pandemic, ensuring the NHS can continue to deliver maximum value to the taxpayer.”
Ms Knight added the news that Xevudy has been recommended as a cost-effective option will be “particularly welcomed” by people who can’t have Paxlovid.
“[This] means that there is something for everyone with mild Covid-19 in the community that can help prevent the development of severe disease in those at highest risk,” she said.