Memorial University research is part of a National examine effectiveness to anti-vial medications on COVID-19.
Part of the aim of the research, which is funding by the Federal Government, is to improve long term outcomes, and to prevent death and serious illness including long COVID.
MUN Research Team Lead Dr. Peter Daley, said their project is focused on follow-up care with patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
He said the project will focus on out-patient therapy, that is, tablets that will be provided to patients with mild COVID-19 to prevent them from entering hospital.
The current therapy used in Canada for people with greater risk of serious disease or death is Paxlovid, but questions remain about the efficacy in people who are vaccinated. Molnupiravir is another therapy available, but there are multiple drug interactions involved. Dr. Daley said they will be looking at both drugs.
Both drugs are on the market, but at very early stage of their development because of the urgency created by the pandemic. He said more work is needed to collect good quality scientific evidence to be confident that they’re safe and effective, which is part of the work that his team will be exploring.