Molnupiravir Real-World Utilization in COVID-19 Patients in the Czech Republic

J Clin Med. 2024 Apr 16;13(8):2303. doi: 10.3390/jcm13082303.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Molnupiravir (MOV), an oral antiviral COVID-19 treatment, was introduced in the Czech Republic in December 2021 for COVID-19 patients at a high risk of progression to severe disease requiring hospitalization. In this observational, retrospective study, we aimed to describe the characteristics and healthcare resource utilization in non-hospitalized, adult COVID-19 patients prescribed MOV in the Czech Republic between 1 January and 30 April 2022. Methods: A total of 621 patients were included and followed up with for 28 days. Results: The median age was 68.0 (20-99) years, 77.8% were overweight or obese, 14.1% smoked, and 85.7% were vaccinated. The overall cumulative incidence (95% CI) of all-cause hospitalization was 0.71 (0.37; 1.24) per 1000 person years or 1.9%, with similar rates across sexes, age groups, BMI category, multimorbidity category, polypharmacy category, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Among patients reported hospitalized, oxygen-based resources were not observed, and no deaths occurred. Conclusions: These data describe the characteristics and healthcare resource utilization in Czech MOV-treated patients whose clinical characteristics may put them at increased risk of severe disease.

Keywords: COVID-19; Czech Republic; SARS-CoV-2; molnupiravir; real-world data; treatment of COVID-19.

Grants and funding

This study was funded by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, NIS102371.