Anti Covid therapy, how does it work? Since the first months of the pandemic, doctors have been looking for solutions to counter the effects of the respiratory infection that is spreading around the world and finally, after vaccines, pharmaceutical companies have also developed specific antivirals, tailored to stop the infection in the bud. . What are the first therapies? Molnupiravir is the name of the first antiviral drug specific against Covid-19 in tablet or pill formulation. Merck has asked the Food and Drug Administration in the US for authorization for emergency use, while in Europe the EMA is evaluating the results on the molecule that will be distributed in Italy by MSD. Pfizer also has a ready …
Anti therapy Covid, how does it work? Since the first months of the pandemic, doctors have been looking for solutions to counter the effects of the respiratory infection that is spreading around the world and finally, after vaccines, the pharmaceutical companies have also developed specific antivirals, tailored to stop the infection in the bud.
What are the first therapies?
Is called Molnupiravir the first specific antiviral drug against Covid-19 in tablet or pill formulation. Merck he asked the Food and Drug Administration in the US for authorization for emergency use, while in Europe EMA is evaluating the results on the molecule that will be distributed in Italy by MSD. Also Pfizer has ready an antiviral (Paxlovid) which reduces the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% compared to placebo in non-hospitalized high-risk adults with Covid-19 and plans to send the green light request to the FDA as soon as possible.
How is the antiviral given?
Administration, when the test is positive, should be started within 3-5 days from the onset of symptoms. The therapy is taken by mouth, it does not require hospitalization. In UK the pill can be prescribed after a molecular swab that supports the diagnosis, and has at least one serious risk factor. Will these antivirals also be prescribed to those who have been vaccinated or reinfected? Data is lacking, it is still too early to answer on this point.
When in Italy?
The Italian Medicines Agency has decided to speed up the time to make the treatment available: this is what the president of the Scientific Technical Committee, Franco Locatelli, announced. Aifa has started a direct dialogue with the pharmaceutical industry to examine the latest dossiers on antivirals as soon as possible.
What are the main weapons?
Vaccination anti Covid remains the main weapon in the fight against the pandemic, as the ministry reiterated: it has an indispensable value in prevention. The new drugs represent crucial therapeutic tools to keep the virus under control and limit hospitalizations. Also forthcoming is the release of home intramuscular injectable monoclonals, said the virologist Giorgio Palù, president of Aifa. For his part, the hygienist Michele Conversano, scientific director of HappyAgeing, recommends the flu vaccination, useful in the differential diagnosis with Covid and as prevention (8 thousand on average annual deaths related to complications from flu).
Do traditional remedies remain valid?
At first, at the first symptoms of fever and cough, they were given antimalarials, it seemed that they were effective against the Sars-Cov2 virus, then it was seen that they are irrelevant. With experience it has been understood that, once infected, it is necessary to monitor not only the temperature, but also the oxygen in the blood, to stop interstitial pneumonia in the bud, and avert the storm of cytokines, a reaction that damages the nervous system, kidneys , heart, arteries, as well as lungs. It was understood when to use cortisone, when oxygen, what the value of antivirals such as Remdesivir and when to administer monoclonal antibodies.
Effective drugs on mutations?
The mutations that the virus undergoes have turned research into a run-up, and we must avoid the do-it-yourself that pushes people out of fear to resort to impromptu remedies, food supplements, untitled supplements. Vaccines and antivirals are effective on variants in circulation, but will need to be verified and updated periodically.
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