Real life experience of molnupiravir as a treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients: a letter on its effectiveness at preventing hospitalization

Ir J Med Sci. 2023 Oct;192(5):2301-2303. doi: 10.1007/s11845-022-03241-1. Epub 2022 Dec 1.

Abstract

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has prompted clinicians to develop an early and effective treatment of viral infections. To date, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antivirals are the cornerstone of therapy for SARS-CoV-2. AIFA approved the prescription of molnupiravir on 30/12/2021. Molnupiravir is a prodrug that causes the accumulation of errors in the viral genome.

Methods: We prescribed molnupiravir to a total of 74 patients in a range between 26 and 96 years old and followed-up them for 30 days. 10 patients affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were treated.

Results: The follow-up showed that all of the treated patients presented a regression of symptoms. No patients were hospitalized and/or showed sequelae after the infection by SARS-CoV-2, even though the examined population was older and with more co-morbidities than other patients treated with different antivirals.

Conclusion: Molnupiravir is safe and well-tolerated by patients with high-risk of progression to severe COVID. No patients were hospitalized or showed sequelae, including all patients affected by IPF.

Keywords: COVID-19; IPF; Molnupiravir; Real life.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19*
  • Disease Progression
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • molnupiravir
  • Antiviral Agents