Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the use of (a) molnupiravir, and (b) Paxlovid, as antiviral treatments for COVID-19 in other countries, and (2) the rules for administering such treatments, when considering how to administer and distribute those treatments in England.

Molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir + ritonavir (co-packaged as Paxlovid) are available for the treatment of COVID-19 in multiple countries. The Antivirals and Therapeutics Taskforce is engaging with international organisations and nations to share learning on the use and deployment of therapeutics and antivirals, including molnupiravir and Paxlovid.

Eligibility for oral antivirals has been determined by an independent expert group commissioned by the Department and included in a clinical policy agreed by the United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers. This policy is based on evidence that individuals with specific health conditions are more likely to progress to severe disease. In the community, eligible patients have access to oral antivirals through COVID Medicines Delivery Units in England, with equivalent arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In addition, Paxlovid is available to eligible patients who contract COVID-19 whilst in hospital. We are continuing to monitor international use and administration of these treatments to inform the clinical policy.