Exclusive: Over 1 million courses of Paxlovid prescribed in a single month for first-time
July marked the initial month that a lot more than 1 million courses of Pfizer’s COVID antiviral Paxlovid were prescribed, in accordance with Biden administration figures provided to Axios.
The picture as a whole: There have been 1.26 million courses dispensed last month, a 37% increase over June. Additionally, more Paxlovid was dispensed in the month of July than that prescribed from January through May combined, per the Department of Health insurance and Human Services.
- Several third of most reported coronavirus cases in July were treated with Paxlovid, which represents the best percentage of cases yet treated with the drug.
The picture as a whole: In the months after Paxlovid was authorized by the meals and Drug Administration, there is a “substantial gap in prescribing between individuals in high and low social vulnerability areas,” in accordance with an HHS spokesperson.
- “In the last 8 weeks, though, we’ve worked to lessen the equity gap by a lot more than two-thirds from 31% to 10%,” the spokesperson said.
What’s happening: The Biden administration is dealing with Pfizer on a fresh initiative to provide Paxlovid to 9,000 health providers in more vulnerable areas where it really is harder to gain access to the drug.
- “This can mean more product already situated in their communities and easily available when needed,” per HHS.
Between your lines: The Biden administration has promoted Paxlovid is an efficient tool to fight COVID, however, many doctors have questioned how the drug might help those people who are vaccinated.
- It remains unclear how often so-called “rebound” infections such as for example President Biden’s may appear.
- The drug shows to be 89% effective on unvaccinated adults, in addition to for high-risk patients.
- Pfizer also said in June that Paxlovid didn’t significantly reduce the chance of hospitalization or death in people who have a standard threat of developing severe infections.
