A Memorial University research team is part of a national effort to examine the effectiveness of anti-viral medications on COVID-19.

Part of the aim of the research, which is being funding by the federal government, is to improve long-term outcomes, and to prevent death and serious illness, including long-COVID.

MUN Research Team Lead Dr. Peter Daley says their project is focused on follow-up care with patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

He says the project will focus on out-patient therapy, that is, tablets which will be provided to patients with mild COVID-19 to prevent them from entering hospital.

The current therapy used in Canada for people at greater risk of serious disease or death is Paxlovid, but questions remain about its efficacy in people who are vaccinated. Molnupiravir is another therapy available, but there are multiple drug interactions involved. Dr. Daley says they’ll be looking at both drugs.

Both drugs are on the market, but at very early stage of their development because of the urgency created by the pandemic. He says more work is needed to collect good-quality scientific evidence to be confident that they’re safe and effective, which is part of the work his team will be exploring.