Describing COVID-19 Patients During The First Two Months of Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) Initiation in a Large HMO in Israel

TitleDescribing COVID-19 Patients During The First Two Months of Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) Initiation in a Large HMO in Israel ObjectiveThe objective of this feasibility study was to assess the number of patients that could be included in a future Real World Evidence study, which would be designed to explore the impact of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) on patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU). We also intend to assess the comparability of the patients who were treated with Paxlovid versus patients who did not receive the treatment, either because they declined any COVID-19 treatment or were diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to Paxlovid availability. MethodsThis retrospective observational secondary data study used data from the Maccabi Healthcare Services database during the identification period of June 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022. The study population included patients with at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test, or a formal rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2, during the identification period, the date of which also served as the COVID-19 diagnosis date. We then divided the study population into the following cohorts: Pre-Paxlovid Time Period and Paxlovid Time Period, which was further split into Paxlovid Treated and Paxlovid Untreated. ResultsApplication of inclusion and exclusion criteria to the study population rendered 20,284 patients in the Pre-Paxlovid Time Period cohort and 5,542 in the Paxlovid Time Period cohort that were eligible to receive Paxlovid. This resulted in 3,714 in the Paxlovid Treated and 1,810 in the Paxlovid Untreated cohorts. ConclusionsThis RWE feasibility study of patients with a positive test for COVID-19 between June 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022 illustrates potential comparability between cohorts, as described by their demographics and characteristics.