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

TL;DR

This study examines how molnupiravir was used in Czech Republic patients at high risk of severe COVID-19 and reports low hospitalization and death rates.

Contribution

The study provides real-world data on molnupiravir use in high-risk Czech patients, showing low hospitalization and mortality rates.

Findings

The overall hospitalization rate was 1.9% among patients treated with molnupiravir.

Hospitalized patients did not require oxygen-based resources, and no deaths were recorded.

Patient characteristics like age, BMI, and vaccination status did not significantly affect hospitalization rates.

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.