Another potential long COVID treatment ruled out A COVID-19 antiviral has been shown to be ineffective at treating the condition, as doctors continue to be left with few options.
Study questions Paxlovid’s COVID-19 ‘usefulness’ Researchers say the antiviral does little to reduce symptom duration for some vaccinated patients, but still recommended its use for the vulnerable.
Tighten Paxlovid eligibility: PBAC advice The committee that looks at PBS listings has recommended the first-line COVID-19 treatment be limited to the highest risk patients aged 50–69 years.
Molnupiravir linked to COVID mutations Researchers found the widely used antiviral could be driving new SARS-CoV-2 variants, but there is no evidence these pose any additional threat.
GPs able to initiate FP 50 prescriptions again The revised listing follows a concerted advocacy campaign and was confirmed on the same day as a number of other PBS changes.
Wider eligibility for Paxlovid announced From 1 April the availability of the oral antiviral on the PBS will expand to include over-60s with only one risk factor for severe disease.
New antiviral may offer ‘less cumbersome’ COVID treatment option The Chinese-developed oral antiviral reportedly achieves similar outcomes to Paxlovid, but with fewer side effects and drug–drug interactions.
Molnupiravir to be used only as a last resort: Taskforce Advice has changed for the country’s most prescribed COVID-19 oral antiviral, although access via the PBS will remain in place.
Second bivalent booster receives ATAGI recommendation The vaccine will become available in December and is recommended for people who have not had their first or second booster doses.
‘A positive step’: oral antivirals confirmed for Doctor’s Bag After extensive RACGP lobbying, GPs now have enhanced access to COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments for urgent use among at-risk patients.