Coronavirus: nearly 10,000 Hongkongers treated with oral antivirals since their introduction 2 weeks ago

Nearly 10,000 Covid-19 patients have received oral antivirals since they were introduced in Hong Kong two weeks ago as a way to reduce deaths and cases with severe symptoms, according to health authorities.

Hospital Authority Chief Manager Dr Lau Ka-hin said public health facilities had administered MSD’s molnupiravir to 8,500 patients so far. About 1,000 others had received Pfizer’s Paxlovid since it was made locally available last Wednesday.

Addressing concerns that the current guidelines prioritise the use of the antivirals on elderly and vulnerable patients, Lau said public hospitals would also look at other factors in deciding recipients following recent concerns that others who might appear healthy but needed the drugs could be left out.

“There may be a guideline, but our medical staff would also look at the condition of the patient on the spot. Whether they have been vaccinated and how old they are just some of the criteria,” he said, adding that clinical guidelines also changed over time.

“You just have to tell your doctor your condition, medical history, medication record and so on. And they will make the best decision for everyone based on your current state and other overseas statistics provided by us,” he said.

Lau noted a mechanism existed through which private hospitals could procure medication from their public counterparts, and he pledged to work with the for-profit facilities “in the near future” to discuss guidelines for administering the antivirals.