Respiratory Treatment Updates
 Expansion of the Home Test to Treat Program
Earlier in 2023, the U.S. Government piloted the Home Test to Treat Program to provide free telehealth services for people with COVID-19 in selected U.S. cities. On December 6, 2023, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the expansion of this program to include all adults nationwide and to provide services for influenza in addition to COVID-19. Through this program, adult patients can receive free at-home testing for both COVID-19 and influenza, a free telehealth visit with a medical provider, and a prescription for treatment of COVID-19 and/or influenza, if warranted. Providers are encouraged to tell eligible patients about this program and to contact the program early in the course of their illness, especially if they may need treatment. For more detailed information or to register for the program, go to the Home Test to Treat Program website.
COVID-19 Therapeutics Commercialization
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has developed COVID-19 Therapeutics Transition to Commercial Distribution: Frequently Asked Questions to answer questions related to access for uninsured and underinsured individuals, patient assistance programs, the Test to Treat program, and other common questions related to commercialization of COVID-19 therapeutics. Notable highlights from these FAQs
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) Update
Effective November 10, 2023, Lagevrio is only available for commercial purchase by jurisdictions, pharmacies, and other partners. Partners should first use Lagevrio provided by the U.S. Government (USG) until this supply is depleted or expires. USG-provided Lagevrio that is dispensed must be done at no cost to the patient. For patients who need financial assistance to obtain Lagevrio, the Merck Patient Assistance Program is available. Patients and/or medical providers can call 800-727-5400 to begin the process of obtaining medication. Program hours are 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday. Please see www.merckhelps.com/lagevrio for more information.
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritonavir) Update
Paxlovid continues the transition process from being provided by the USG to commercial availability. Until December 15, 2023 at 3 PM, entities can still order Paxlovid from the USG by using the out-of-cycle request process in the Health Partner Order Portal (HPOP). After this date/time, private entities will only be able to order Paxlovid through the commercial market.
Pfizer will operate two patient assistance programs to help individuals obtain the medication at low to no cost. Patients with Medicare or Medicaid, or who are uninsured, will be able to obtain Paxlovid at no cost through December 2024 using the USG Patient Assistance Program operated by Pfizer. More information is available at www.paxlovid.com or by calling 877-219-7225 (877-C19-PACK). For patients with private insurance who have a medication co-pay, the Pfizer Co-Pay Savings Program may offer financial assistance. Patients and/or medical providers can obtain more information at https://www.paxlovid.com/enroll-in-co-pay-program.
Veklury (remdesivir) Update
Veklury is an FDA-approved intravenous medication for adults and children for the treatment of acute COVID-19. It can be given in the outpatient setting. This drug has only been available commercially (i.e., not from the USG). Gilead Sciences, the product’s manufacturer, has a patient assistance program—see www.gileadadvancingaccess.com or call 800-226-2056 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 9 PM.
Coming Soon!
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) plans to launch an expanded online locator to assist patients and medical providers in finding COVID-19 outpatient treatments. The new locator will combine the Test-to-Treat Locator and the Therapeutics Locator tools.
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