Wales to play major role in UK-wide antiviral study into new treatments for COVID-19

People in Wales at increased risk of severe COVID-19 could take part in UK-wide study investigating 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. 

Antiviral clinical study 

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. 

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 (MHRA). This study will provide more data on how antivirals work in a predominantly vaccinated population and inform decisions in the future.  

Important development

Dr Andrew Carson-Stevens, Principal Investigator for Wales for the PANORAMIC Study and Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Lead for Primary Care, said: “This is such an important development in how we treat and manage COVID-19, especially to those most vulnerable, and I’m so proud that Wales will play an integral part.  

“If you fit the study criteria, you will be randomised into one of two groups, one to receive the antiviral and standard care and another group which will receive standard care. If you are in the group to receive the new antiviral treatments, you will be sent your medication in the post. Everyone involved will be asked to fill out a daily symptom diary online.”  

Treatment as early as possible

Professor Kerry Hood, Director of the Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University, who also represent Wales on the Oxford trial team, said: “PANORAMIC is a platform trial to enable us to test a range of novel anti-viral treatments for COVID-19 in the community – the first one being Lagevrio.  

“Key to this study is starting treatment as early as possible, so it is vital that you get a COVID-19 test if you are feeling unwell and register for the study as soon as you get your results. Having effective treatments for people with mild-moderate COVID-19 is essential for us to reduce the impact of this infection on our families and communities.” 

Hub of world-class research

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, which is nationally coordinating recruitment to the study in Wales, said: “We have set the study up so that any person in Wales, regardless of where they live, can take part if they wish to. If you test positive you will receive a text directing you to the PANORAMIC website to register and we encourage people to act quickly as treatment must be started within 5 days of symptoms starting. 

“Wales has continued to be a hub of world-class research, contributing to many UK and global studies into various vaccines, boosters and treatments and I’m so proud of the whole team involved in delivering this study.”   

Wales' involvement 

Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Care, said: “I welcome today’s news of the new study and Wales’ involvement. In addition to the trial, if you are at highest risk of severe COVID-19 and extremely vulnerable you may receive neutralised monoclonal antibody treatment or an antiviral treatment as part of your standard care and will be contacted by your health board if you test positive.”  

If eligible register on study website 

If you have a positive COVID-19 test you will receive a text from Health and Care Research Wales with a link to the PANORAMIC study website. If you do a test at home that is positive then you can register straight onto the website. 

More information about what to expect from the study in Wales can be found here.