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Butler CC. Democratising the design and delivery of large-scale randomised, controlled clinical trials in primary care: A personal view. Eur J Gen Pract 2024; 30:2293702. [PMID: 38180050 PMCID: PMC10773679 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2023.2293702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid identification of effective treatments for use in the community during a pandemic is vital for the well-being of individuals and the sustainability of healthcare systems and society. Furthermore, identifying treatments that do not work reduces research wastage, spares people unnecessary side effects, rationalises the cost of purchasing and stockpiling medication, and reduces inappropriate medication use. Nevertheless, only a small minority of therapeutic trials for SARS-CoV-2 infections have been in primary care: most opened too late, struggled to recruit, and few produced actionable results. Participation in research is often limited by where one lives or receives health care, and trial participants may not represent those for whom the treatments are intended. INNOVATIVE TRIALS The ALIC4E, PRINCIPLE and the ongoing PANORAMIC trial have randomised over 40,500 people with COVID-19. This personal view describes how these trials have innovated in: trial design (by using novel adaptive platform designs); trial delivery (by complementing traditional site-based recruitment ('the patient comes to the research') with mechanisms to enable sick, infectious people to participate without having to leave home ('taking research to the people'), and by addressing the 'inverse research participation law,' which highlights disproportionate barriers faced by those who have the most to contribute, and benefit from, research, and; in transforming the evidence base by evaluating nine medicines to support guidelines and care decisions world-wide for COVID-19 and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship. CONCLUSION The PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC trials represent models of innovation and inclusivity, and exemplify the potential of primary care to lead the way in addressing pressing global health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Png ME, Harris V, Grabey J, Hart ND, Jani BD, Butler D, Carson-Stevens A, Coates M, Cureton L, Dobson M, Dorward J, Evans P, Francis N, Gbinigie OA, Hayward G, Holmes J, Hood K, Khoo S, Ahmed H, Lown M, McKenna M, Mort S, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Rahman NM, Richards DB, Thomas NP, van Hecke O, Hobbs R, Little P, Yu LM, Butler CC, Petrou S. Cost-utility analysis of molnupiravir for high-risk, community-based adults with COVID-19: an economic evaluation of the PANORAMIC trial. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e570-e579. [PMID: 38228357 PMCID: PMC11257071 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cost-effectiveness of molnupiravir, an oral antiviral for early treatment of SARS-CoV-2, has not been established in vaccinated populations. AIM To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of molnupiravir relative to usual care alone among mainly vaccinated community-based people at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 over 6 months. DESIGN AND SETTING An economic evaluation of the PANORAMIC trial in the UK. METHOD A cost-utility analysis that adopted a UK NHS and personal social services perspective and a 6-month time horizon was performed using PANORAMIC trial data. Cost-effectiveness was expressed in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses assessed the impacts of uncertainty and heterogeneity. Threshold analysis explored the price for molnupiravir consistent with likely reimbursement. RESULTS In the base-case analysis, molnupiravir had higher mean costs of £449 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 445 to 453) and higher mean QALYs of 0.0055 (95% CI = 0.0044 to 0.0067) than usual care (mean incremental cost per QALY of £81 190). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses showed similar results, except for those aged ≥75 years, with a 55% probability of being cost-effective at a £30 000 per QALY threshold. Molnupiravir would have to be priced around £147 per course to be cost-effective at a £15 000 per QALY threshold. CONCLUSION At the current cost of £513 per course, molnupiravir is unlikely to be cost-effective relative to usual care over a 6-month time horizon among mainly vaccinated patients with COVID-19 at increased risk of adverse outcomes, except those aged ≥75 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Ee Png
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Victoria Harris
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenna Grabey
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nigel D Hart
- Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Bhautesh D Jani
- General Practice and Primary Care, School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow
| | - Daniel Butler
- Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Andrew Carson-Stevens
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Maria Coates
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucy Cureton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Melissa Dobson
- Oxford Respiratory Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jienchi Dorward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Philip Evans
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Oghenekome A Gbinigie
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane Holmes
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Saye Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mark Lown
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Micheal McKenna
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sam Mort
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Najib M Rahman
- Oxford Respiratory Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford; Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford; Chinese Academy of Medicial Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Duncan B Richards
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas Pb Thomas
- Witney; NIHR Thames Valley and South Midlands Clinical Research Network, UK; Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
| | - Oliver van Hecke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ly-Mee Yu
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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3
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Penrose K, Srivastava A, Shen Y, Robertson MM, Kulkarni SG, Allen KE, Porter TM, Puzniak L, McLaughlin JM, Nash D. Perceived Risk for Severe COVID-19 and Oral Antiviral Use Among Antiviral-Eligible US Adults. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:1743-1757. [PMID: 38909338 PMCID: PMC11266331 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-01003-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral antiviral medications are important tools for preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, their uptake remains low for reasons that are not entirely understood. Our study aimed to assess the association between perceived risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes and oral antiviral use among those who were eligible for treatment based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. METHODS We surveyed 4034 non-institutionalized US adults in April 2023, and report findings from 934 antiviral-eligible participants with at least one confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection since December 1, 2021 and no current long COVID symptoms. Survey weights were used to yield nationally representative estimates. The primary exposure of interest was whether participants perceived themselves to be "at high risk for severe COVID-19." The primary outcome was use of a COVID-19 oral antiviral within 5 days of suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS Only 18.5% of antiviral-eligible adults considered themselves to be at high risk for severe COVID-19 and 16.8% and 15.9% took oral antivirals at any time or within 5 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. In contrast, 79.8% were aware of antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Perceived high-risk status was associated with being more likely to be aware (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.20]), to be prescribed (aPR 1.47 [95% CI 1.08-2.01]), and to take oral antivirals at any time (aPR 1.61 [95% CI 1.16-2.24]) or within 5 days of infection (aPR 1.72 [95% CI 1.23-2.40]). CONCLUSIONS Despite widespread awareness of the availability of COVID-19 oral antivirals, more than 80% of eligible US adults did not receive them. Our findings suggest that differences between perceived and actual risk for severe COVID-19 (based on current CDC guidelines) may partially explain this low uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Penrose
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), 55 W. 125 Street, 6 Floor, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Avantika Srivastava
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), 55 W. 125 Street, 6 Floor, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanhan Shen
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), 55 W. 125 Street, 6 Floor, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - McKaylee M Robertson
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), 55 W. 125 Street, 6 Floor, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Sarah G Kulkarni
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), 55 W. 125 Street, 6 Floor, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), 55 W. 125 Street, 6 Floor, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
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Johari F, Verma R. Paxlovid for nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19. Acad Emerg Med 2024; 31:621-623. [PMID: 38517114 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Johari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Rajesh Verma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Kings County, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Wilson C, Thomson EC. Resilience to emerging infectious diseases and the importance of scientific innovation. Future Healthc J 2024; 11:100023. [PMID: 38646044 PMCID: PMC11025050 DOI: 10.1016/j.fhj.2024.100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
This opinion piece emphasies the critical role of translational research in enhancing the UK's resilience against future pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the lifesaving potential of scientific innovation, including genomic tracking of SARS-CoV-2, vaccine development, data linkage, modelling, and new treatments. These advances, achieved through collaborations between academic institutions, industry, government, public health bodies, and the NHS, occurred at an unprecedented pace. However, the UK's pandemic preparedness planning, as reflected in the 2016 Exercise Cygnus report, notably lacked provision for scientific innovation. This oversight highlights the necessity of integrating innovation and research into future preparedness strategies, not as a luxury but as a vital component of the healthcare infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of surge capacity for diagnostic labs, vaccine development and deployment strategies, real-time research embedded within the NHS, efficient data sharing, clear public communication, and the use of genomic tools for outbreak surveillance and monitoring pathogen response. Despite world-leading aspects of some of the UK's research response, the need to build much of the infrastructure in real-time led to avoidable delays. A proactive approach in incorporating research and innovation into the NHS's operational framework will be needed to ensure swift, evidence-based responses to future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma C. Thomson
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHS GG&C), Glasgow, United Kingdom
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
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6
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Shen Y, Robertson MM, Kulkarni SG, Puzniak L, Zamparo JM, Allen KE, Porter TM, Qasmieh SA, Grov C, Srivastava A, Zimba R, McLaughlin JM, Nash D. Oral COVID-19 Antiviral Uptake Among a Highly Vaccinated US Cohort of Adults With SARS-CoV-2 Infection Between December 2021 and October 2022. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad674. [PMID: 38344131 PMCID: PMC10854389 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We described the oral nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) and molnupiravir (MOV) uptake among a subgroup of highly vaccinated adults in a US national prospective cohort who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between 12/2021 and 10/2022. Methods We estimate antiviral uptake within 5 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as age- and gender-adjusted antiviral uptake prevalence ratios by antiviral eligibility (based on age and comorbidities), sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical characteristics including vaccination status and history of long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID). Results NMV/r uptake was 13.6% (95% CI, 11.9%-15.2%) among 1594 participants, and MOV uptake was 1.4% (95% CI, 0.8%-2.1%) among 1398 participants. NMV/r uptake increased over time (1.9%; 95% CI, 1.0%-2.9%; between 12/2021 and 3/2022; 16.5%; 95% CI, 13.0%-20.0%; between 4/2022 and 7/2022; and 25.3%; 95% CI, 21.6%-29.0%; between 8/2022 and 10/2022). Participants age ≥65 and those who had comorbidities for severe COVID-19 had higher NMV/r uptake. There was lower NMV/r uptake among non-Hispanic Black participants (7.2%; 95% CI, 2.4%-12.0%; relative to other racial/ethnic groups) and among individuals in the lowest income groups (10.6%; 95% CI, 7.3%-13.8%; relative to higher income groups). Among a subset of 278 participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection after 12/2021 who also had a history of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, those with (vs without) a history of long COVID reported greater NMV/r uptake (22.0% vs 7.9%; P = .001). Among those prescribed NMV/r (n = 216), 137 (63%; 95% CI, 57%-70%) reported that NMV/r was helpful for reducing COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions Despite proven effectiveness against severe outcomes, COVID-19 antiviral uptake remains low among those with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United States. Further outreach to providers and patients to improve awareness of COVID-19 oral antivirals and indications is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhan Shen
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - McKaylee M Robertson
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah G Kulkarni
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Saba A Qasmieh
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - Avantika Srivastava
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Zimba
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
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Wong CKH, Lau KTK, Chung MSH, Au ICH, Cheung KW, Lau EHY, Daoud Y, Cowling BJ, Leung GM. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection: a target trial emulation. Nat Med 2024; 30:112-116. [PMID: 37913816 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
To date, there is a lack of randomized trial data examining the use of the antiviral nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected pregnant persons. This target trial emulation study aimed to address this gap by evaluating the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in nonhospitalized pregnant women with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection. Among patients diagnosed between 16 March 2022 and 5 February 2023, exposure was defined as outpatient nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment within 5 days of symptom onset or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. Primary outcomes were maternal morbidity and mortality index (MMMI), all-cause maternal death and COVID-19-related hospitalization, while secondary outcomes were individual components of MMMI, preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal death and cesarean section. One-to-ten propensity-score matching was conducted between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users and nonusers, followed by cloning, censoring and weighting. Overall, 211 pregnant women on nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and 1,998 nonusers were included. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment was associated with reduced 28-day MMMI risk (absolute risk reduction (ARR) = 1.47%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21-2.34%) but not 28-days COVID-19-related hospitalization (ARR = -0.09%, 95% CI = -1.08% to 0.71%). Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment was also associated with reduced risks of cesarean section (ARR = 1.58%, 95% CI = 0.85-2.39%) and preterm birth (ARR = 2.70%, 95% CI = 0.98-5.31%). No events of maternal or neonatal death or stillbirth were recorded. The findings suggest that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is an effective treatment in symptomatic pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos K H Wong
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Vaccine Confidence Project, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Kristy T K Lau
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew S H Chung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ivan C H Au
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric H Y Lau
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yasmin Daoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabriel M Leung
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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8
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Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Filippatos C, Gavriatopoulou M, Malandrakis P, Eleutherakis-Papaiakovou E, Spiliopoulou V, Syrigou RE, Theodorakakou F, Fotiou D, Migkou M, Roussou M, Kastritis E, Dimopoulos MA, Terpos E. Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis against COVID-19 for Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Prospective Study in the Omicron Era. Diseases 2023; 11:123. [PMID: 37754319 PMCID: PMC10529256 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11030123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: tixagevimab/cilgavimab, distributed under the name "Evusheld", was the first available pre-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19 other than vaccination. It received an EUA from the FDA after sufficient trial data showed efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections and subsequent severe disease. Its potential benefits for high-risk immunocompromised patients generated a lot of interest. Individuals with multiple myeloma fall into this category, as they are characterized by attenuated immune responses and, in some cases, vaccines have limited efficacy. Methods: this single-center, prospective study included consecutive patients with multiple myeloma. All individuals were considered high-risk for COVID-19 due to their underlying disease. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as data regarding COVID-19 infection and antibodies, were collected. Patients were administered two intramuscular 150 mg doses of Evusheld and were monitored during the follow-up period. Results: one hundred and eleven multiple myeloma patients were included in this analysis, with a median age of 64 years (range 58-69) and fifty-three were females (47.7%). Fourteen patients (12.6%) had a prior history of COVID-19 and all patients were vaccinated with either three or four doses of mRNA-based vaccines. An increase was observed in the median neutralizing-antibody levels before and after tixagevimab/cilgavimab administration, from 92.6% to 97.3%. The high levels were sustainable, with a median neutralizing-antibody level of 95.4% at 3 months post Evusheld administration. Overall, nine patients (8.1%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the follow-up period, at a median of 31 days. There were no SARS-CoV-2- infection-related hospitalizations or deaths. The monoclonal antibody combination was well tolerated, with no infusion-related reactions or major adverse events, and pain at the injection site only was reported by 33 patients (30%). Conclusions: tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld) seemed beneficial for patients with multiple myeloma, who presented high neutralizing-antibody levels and a low incidence of COVID-19 during the initial Omicron wave. No new safety concerns emerged. However, novel combinations of monoclonal antibodies against the new circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 are deemed necessary in view of the emergence of immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (I.N.-S.); (C.F.)
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