Three COVID treatments gain approval

Tuesday February 21st 2023

Regulators today endorse three medicines for treating adults with COVID-19 as part of a clinical and cost-effectiveness review.

The final draft guidance, published today by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, recommends Paxlovid, Xevudy, and RoActemra. It has also announced it is developing a new review process to update its recommendations on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the treatments.

Although most of the clinical evidence was based on studies done before the Omicron variant became the dominant strain, the independent committee has recommended Paxlovid, Xevudy and RoActemra because there is evidence suggesting they are effective in treating the virus. They are also cost-effective.

The committee recommends Paxlovid for adults who do not need supplemental oxygen for COVID-19 but who have an increased risk for progression to severe disease, while Xevudy is recommended for the same group where Paxlovid is contraindicated or unsuitable.

RoActemra is recommended for adults who have systemic corticosteroids and need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “NICE is the first health technology assessment body in the world to look at the clinical and cost-effectiveness of COVID treatments outside of their use during the pandemic.

“Our committee looked very carefully at all the evidence available and heard from both clinicians and affected individuals before reaching its recommendations. These are difficult decisions that have been made on careful analysis of the evidence and with an understanding that COVID-19 remains a live issue where it is important we are able to move fast if and when new evidence emerges.

“We are pleased that, following the consideration of more clinical evidence and productive discussions with the company, we are now able to recommend Xevudy as a cost-effective option.

“This news will be particularly welcomed by people who can’t have Paxlovid and 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.”

NICE expects to publish its final recommendations on medicines to treat COVID-19 next month but until then, access to COVID-19 medicines will continue to be guided by the published UK-wide clinical access policies agreed by the UK chief medical officers under pandemic specific arrangements.

Tags: Flu & Viruses | NHS | Pharmaceuticals | UK News

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