“I’m taking part for my son” - COVID-19 antiviral trial recruits 1000th participant in Wales
5 March
A COVID-19 antiviral study has recruited its 1000th participant in Wales, contributing to over 12,000 participants across the UK.
The PANORAMIC study (Platform adaptive trial of novel antivirals for early treatment of COVID-19 in the community) is believed to be the world’s largest study of antiviral treatments which can be taken at home for mild COVID-19.
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.
55-year-old Malcolm Jones from Aberfan was the 1000th participant to enter the study in Wales.
Malcom lives with his wife and two sons and works in manufacturing.
“Taking part has been really easy”
“My wife volunteers me for all sorts of things, so it was no surprise when she sent me the details of this study. I asked the research team some questions and was happy with the information, so decided to give it a go.
“I’m following the instructions I’ve been given all from at home in my bedroom, it’s all been really easy. I take the antiviral tablets and fill in a diary about how I’m feeling.”
“I’m participating for my son”
“My motivation for being involved in the trial is my eldest son. He is disabled and very vulnerable to COVID-19. He has cerebral palsy and is epileptic and takes lots of medication that keeps him alive.
“We’ve all had to be really careful with socialising and going out. It’s been a very stressful time for my family.
“I’m taking part in this trial for him – drugs like these could help save his life, and the lives of millions of others.”
“This trial will save lives”
“Although we’re living with the virus now, we don’t know what’s around the corner.
“We have to keep researching and innovating or we don’t develop – it’s just like my work in manufacturing. Researchers are doing a great thing - we can’t stand still. We have to keep moving forwards.”
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?
Professor Andrew Carson-Stevens, Principal Investigator for Wales for the PANORAMIC Study and Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Lead for Primary Care, said: “For a small country, Wales has again punched above its weight contributing over 10% of the overall participants. This is a huge and important contribution from the people of Wales to research efforts to tackle COVID-19. Thank you to all those that have participated.
“And as well as the participants, this study wouldn’t have been as successful in Wales without the team of talented individuals from across a range of organisations, who have yet again gone above and beyond supporting and delivering this important study.”
Professor Kerry Hood, Director of the Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University, who also represents Wales on the Oxford trial team, said: "The remote design of the study means people can take part from anywhere in Wales without even leaving the house.
“The PANORAMIC trial provides opportunities for the most vulnerable to have access to innovative drugs and treatments and we’re so glad the people of Wales have been so generous with their time and effort.”
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 coordinating recruitment to the study in Wales, said: “Even though restrictions are easing with plans for all restrictions to stop from the end of this month people are still getting COVID-19 and we need to be one step ahead in order to manage and treat the virus.
“This trial is another example of how Wales continues to contribute to UK and global studies into various vaccines, boosters and treatments - helping find answers to how we best live with the virus.”
Visit the PANORAMIC study website to find out more.
Find out more about the people behind the research and how Welsh research has changed lives
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