Help researchers from your sofa following a positive COVID-19 test

People in Wales at increased risk of severe COVID-19 can join hundreds of volunteers taking part in a UK-wide study into how antiviral tablets, taken at home, can help reduce the severity of the virus, speed up recovery and avoid the need for treatments in hospital.

The PANORAMIC study (Platform adaptive trial of novel antivirals for early treatment of COVID-19 in the community) is the first clinical trial of its kind. The trial is being led by Oxford University and delivered in Wales by Public Health Wales, Health and Care Research Wales and Cardiff University. 

The study is open to those over 50, or people 18-49 with an underlying health condition with a positive COVID-19 test (PCR or LFT) and symptoms for less than 5 days.

57-year-old Toby Tattersall from Llandrindod Wells joined the PANORAMIC trial after testing positive for COVID-19.

He and his wife, who have four children, have worked for the past 28 years as GPs at their local practice.

“It was incredibly easy to join the trial”

“I first found out about the trial by a text from Health and Care Research Wales following my positive result”, Toby explained.

“I followed the link on the text and filled in a questionnaire to see if I was eligible for the study. I then had a follow up call from a GP about being involved. It was all easier than I thought it would be.”

“The medication was delivered to my door”

“I was allocated into the treatment arm of the trial, so the GP sent the antiviral tablets via courier to my home address.”

“Now all I have to do is take the antiviral tablets every 12 hours and fill in a daily diary entry on email about my symptoms and how I feel.”

“If you have a chance to be involved in research – go for it!”

“I’m a great believer in medical research and I trust the staff who make these trials happen. Any time you have a chance to be involved in research, you should go for it.

“Research is the only way forward and trials like this one are the best way to find new treatments.”

The first treatment to be investigated through the trial will be molnupiravir (brand name Lagevrio). The medication has already been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, and this study will provide more data on how antivirals work in a predominantly vaccinated population and inform decisions in the future. 

Why is this study important?

Dr Andrew Carson-Stevens, Principal Investigator for Wales for the PANORAMIC Study and Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Lead for Primary Care, said: "The drug is absorbed by COVID-19 infected cells and then blocks the virus replicating, which should help to reduce the risk of serious disease.

“Vaccines and boosters are still the best way to protect ourselves as individuals and as a community. But as a GP, this research is exciting because it could very well give me another way to help my patients with COVID.

“It could be a gamechanger for our patients. The more patients we can recruit, the sooner we will have those answers and the sooner this drug could become part of our everyday approach to managing COVID in the community. Please sign up or give us a call.”

Professor Kerry Hood, Director of the Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University, who also represents Wales on the Oxford trial team, said: "Involvement in the trial all takes place remotely, which means it's not centred in a specific location like a hospital, leaving no one in Wales excluded due to issues like transport.  

“The PANORAMIC trial will then potentially continue providing opportunities for the most vulnerable to have access to innovative drugs and treatments.”

How do I find out if I’m eligible to take part?

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, which is nationally co-ordinating recruitment to the study in Wales, said: “It’s important to act quickly, so if you have a positive LFT or PCR or symptoms in the last 5 days we encourage you to visit the panoramic website as soon as possible.

“We’ve already recruited 600 people in Wales into the study, who are helping us answer questions about treatments for their friends and relatives in the future.

“PANORAMIC is another example of how Wales has contributed to life-changing UK and global studies into various vaccines, boosters and treatments and I’m so proud of the whole team involved.”  

Visit the PANORAMIC study website to register and find out more.