French health authorities on Friday refused early access to antiviral treatment against mild forms of Covid-19, monulpiravir, judging its effectiveness less than that of existing treatments.

The High Authority for Health (HAS) “does not allow early access” of monulpiravir to patients in France for “curative treatment of mild and moderate forms of Covid-19”, she announced in a press release.

This experimental drug administered orally is developed in France by a subsidiary of the American laboratory Merck, MSD France, under the name “Lagevrio”.

Results "less good than those of the available treatments"

MSD France requested early access - a procedure that allows a drug to be prescribed quickly - for adults infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presenting mild to moderate forms but having a risk factor for developing a severe form of the disease.

According to the HAS, "the efficacy results put forward by the laboratory are less good than those of the available treatments".

They would only reduce the risk of the disease progressing to a severe form by 30%, while some monoclonal antibodies are 80% effective.

She further believes that the impact of treatment on reducing the presence of the virus in the patient "has not been demonstrated".

The laboratory defends the effectiveness of the treatment

In a press release, the MSD France laboratory "took note" of this refusal, regretting "that the clinical data provided at this stage did not allow the HAS" to accede to its request.

"The efficacy demonstrated by Lagevrio in clinical trials confirmed the additional benefit that it could bring to the arsenal of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, especially since it allows simple treatment in the city. “, Pleads in particular its president, Clarisse Lhoste.

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  • Medication

  • Covid 19

  • Coronavirus

  • Health

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