What House expands efforts to make Paxlovid, a highly effective COVID drug, available to more pharmacies; and seeks more funding for treatments

Biden will make Paxlovid, a highly effective COVID drug, available to more pharmacies The antiviral pill is available to patients older than 12 who have tested positive for COVID and are at risk for developing a severe case of the disease. NPR.org

There is a new push from the White House to get Paxlovid, a drug which reduces the risk of COVID hospitalization by 90 percent, into the hands of more Americans.

The rollout of the medication has been slow since it was authorized for use in December, failing to reach many Americans eligible for treatment.

"It's pretty clear from the uptake of Paxlovid, and the rate of hospitalizations and deaths over the months that Paxlovid has been available, that there are still some folks who could have benefitted from these medications," a senior administration official acknowledged on a call with reporters on Monday ahead of today's announcement.

The drug is authorized for use in patients 12 years of age and older who test positive for COVID and are at a high risk for developing a severe case. Because of the many possible risk factors for a severe case, including diabetes and obesity, tens of millions of Americans could be eligible to receive the drug if they receive a positive test.

...

ALSO SEE: White House: Without funding US will lose COVID treatments