Celebrating the second anniversary of the PANORAMIC trial

This week marks the second anniversary of the groundbreaking PANORAMIC trial, a UK-wide clinical study to find new antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and reduce the need for hospital admissions.

Almost 1,800 Welsh participants have been recruited into the study to date, which is led by Oxford University and delivered in Wales by Public Health Wales, Health and Care Research Wales and Cardiff University,

With funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, PANORAMIC (Platform adaptive trial of novel antivirals for early treatment of COVID-19 in the community) is the first clinical trial of its kind, and continues to recruit volunteers to trial new antivirals.

The risk of complications from COVID-19 is increased in people with underlying health conditions, older people, unvaccinated people, and those in whom the vaccine is less effective. Especially in these people, COVID-19 can sometimes lead to significant medical problems, hospitalisation, and death.  Currently, people who are clinically vulnerable are prescribed antiviral treatments to help them recover more quickly.

The trial calls for anyone aged 50 or over, or aged 18 or over with a LISTED pre-existing condition, to register for the trial if they have ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 and have recorded a positive COVID test.

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, said: “I'm proud of the way Wales continues to make a significant contribution to the PANORAMIC trial since it started recruiting two years ago and Welsh research delivery teams and participants have been - and continue to be - key to the success of this UK-wide study. I’d like to encourage anyone who fits the eligibility criteria to register interest via the PANORAMIC website and encourage others to do so too.”

The PANORAMIC trial is currently recruiting participants from all over Wales – for more information and to read the celebratory articles on PANORAMC, please visit the website.