# Access community-based treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/uk_mhra_guidance/uk-mhra/0c9bc374-eec2-45c0-bf1c-953440edd3f2
Type: Detailed Guide
Published: September 6, 2022
Updated: March 31, 2023

> The COVID-19 Antivirals and Therapeutics Taskforce, operating under NHS England and devolved administrations, concluded its operations on March 31, 2023, in alignment with the UK government’s strategy for 'living with COVID-19.' This transition marks the end of temporary pandemic measures and the integration of antiviral treatments into routine healthcare frameworks. Historically, the taskforce managed treatment access through the University of Oxford's PANORAMIC study and regional Medicines Delivery Units (CMDUs). While these access points remain, the regulatory landscape has shifted significantly. Specifically, the prescription waiver for COVID-19 antivirals ended on the taskforce's closure date. Patients must now pay standard NHS prescription charges for community-based treatments unless they qualify for exemptions based on age, income, or specific health conditions. However, medications provided through ongoing clinical trials like HEAL remain free of charge. Required actions for clinicians and eligible high-risk patients include adhering to updated eligibility criteria established by the COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinical Review Panel and monitoring the NHS website for pathway changes scheduled for 2023. This summary highlights the shift from universal free access to standard NHS charging structures, requiring patients to verify their benefit status for continued financial support. NHS England will continue publishing weekly treatment data to maintain oversight of drug deployment across hospital and community settings.

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Closure of the COVID-19 Antivirals and Therapeutics Taskforce on 31 March 2023 In line with the government’s strategy of living with COVID-19 , the COVID-19 Antivirals and Therapeutics Taskforce closed on 31 March 2023. The taskforce worked with NHS England ( NHSE ) and devolved administrations to ensure access to community-based treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19) for UK patients. The arrangements for accessing treatments described on this page are therefore subject to change in spring and summer 2023. Find the most up to date information on available COVID-19 treatments and how to access them on the NHS website. Access to treatments Since December 2021, non-hospitalised patients have accessed treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19) through the following ways: 1. PANORAMIC national study The PANORAMIC national study is run by the University of Oxford. It is investigating groups of people that will benefit most from COVID-19 antiviral treatments. Eligible participants are recruited to the study through participating GP practices. Find out more on the PANORAMIC study website 2. COVID-19 medicines delivery units ( CMDUs ) High-risk patients with a positive COVID-19 test result are contacted by a clinician from a CMDU to discuss whether they are suitable for treatments. The clinician is responsible for assessing and deciding which treatment option is most appropriate, taking into account any existing conditions of the patients. This patient pathway is subject to change in 2023. Read more about treatments for COVID-19 that are being deployed on the NHS website. Patients may be eligible for treatment if they have a condition set out in Higher-risk patients eligible for COVID-19 treatments: independent advisory group report (March 2023) agreed by the COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinical Review Panel. Find out more about how eligibility is determined in this guide for patients People that may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments are also eligible for free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests. Check your eligibility online or call 119. Paying for treatments On 31 March 2023, the prescription waiver arrangements for antiviral medicines to be supplied for free to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and who are eligible to receive antiviral treatments for COVID-19 via CMDUs ended. Eligibility for exemption from charges depends on whether someone: is in receipt of certain qualifying benefits is pregnant or has recently had a baby is of qualifying age is in qualifying full-time education gets a war pension has a qualifying medical condition Read more about who can get free prescriptions on the NHS website. This waiver will continue to apply to therapeutic treatments made available through the HEAL and STIMULATE-ICP trials. Find out more about clinical trials for COVID-19 . COVID-19 treatment data NHSE publishes data on the number of patients who have received COVID-19 treatments in England . This publication is updated every Thursday, and covers treatments administered in the community and patients treated in hospital settings (but it does not include information relating to treatments administered in clinical trials). The UK Health Security Agency also publishes regular technical briefings on COVID-19 therapeutic agents . Further information Finding new COVID-19 treatments (National Institute for Health and Care Research)