COVID therapeutics guidance and preference order issued by NIH

January 11, 2022 - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Panel has released recommendations that include an order of preference for which therapeutics to use to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe disease progression. 

The NIH COVID-19 Treatment Panel issued a statement on therapies for high-risk, nonhospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The statement provides clinicians with guidance on the use of ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid), sotrovimab, remdesivir, and molnupiravir for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease. 

These recommendations are based on the results of clinical trials for ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid), remdesivir, and molnupiravir, and on the results of clinical trials and laboratory assessments of the activity of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAb products that are currently available through EUAs for COVID-19 treatment. Read the NIH Statement.

With the increase in cases of COVID-19 and the emergence of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern, there are logistical or supply constraints that may make it impossible to offer the available therapy to all eligible patients, making patient triage necessary. Due to these supply constraints, the NIH Treatment Panel has also issued guidance on patient prioritization for outpatient anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies. Read the NIH Prioritization Statement. 

For physicians looking for a facility to refer patients for therapy, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Availability Map. For additional detailed information, visit the DSHS COVID-19 Therapeutics Provider Information website.

CMS created HCPCS code J0248 for VEKLURY™ (remdesivir) antiviral medication when administered in an outpatient setting. This code is available for use by all payers and is effective for dates of service on or after December 23, 2021. 

DCMS will continue to monitor the supply chain availability of these therapeutics and will share information with members as it becomes available.