Dr. Andrew Pinto, and Dr. Benita Hosseini Lead CanTreatCOVID Study on Paxlovid Effectiveness in Vaccinated Adults

Dr. Andrew Pinto, Director of the Upstream Lab at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, served as the Principal Investigator of the CanTreatCOVID study, with Dr. Benita Hosseini as Co-Principal Investigator. The study, conducted in collaboration with Oxford University’s PANORAMIC trial, evaluated the effectiveness of Paxlovid in vaccinated adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

The combined findings from CanTreatCOVID and PANORAMIC, involving over 4,200 participants, showed that Paxlovid does not reduce hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults but does aid individuals recover a few days faster. These results have influenced evolving guidelines across Canada, which have progressively narrowed based on emerging evidence.

In Ontario, current guidelines recommend Paxlovid for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in patients who are 65 years of age or older, 18 years or older who are immunocompromised, or 18 to 64 years of age with at least one risk factor associated with more severe outcomes. For those without coverage under public drug programs or private insurance, the out-of-pocket cost may be approximately $1,400.

Health Canada initially authorized Paxlovid in January 2022 based on data showing nearly a 90% reduction in hospitalization and death risk among unvaccinated high-risk patients. However, the CanTreatCOVID and PANORAMIC trials specifically studied vaccinated populations, where the benefit profile has shifted.

“In today’s highly vaccinated populations, the benefits of Paxlovid have fundamentally changed,” said Dr. Christopher Butler of Oxford University, who led the UK trial. Dr. Andrew Pinto added that the evidence from CanTreatCOVID will continue to refine prescribing guidelines.

About the CanTreatCOVID Study

CanTreatCOVID is a decentralized, national randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate treatments for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in community settings. The study employs multiple recruitment strategies, including public communication campaigns, outreach through primary care clinics, outpatient facilities, and emergency departments.

Led by the Upstream Lab at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, part of St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), the trial operates as an adaptive platform, allowing for the ongoing evaluation of multiple treatments as new evidence emerges.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Andrew Pinto led the CanTreatCOVID study with Dr. Benita Hosseini as Co-Principal Investigator.
• The study found Paxlovid does not reduce hospitalizations or deaths in vaccinated adults but speeds recovery by a few days.
• Ontario guidelines now restrict Paxlovid use to higher-risk vaccinated individuals based on age, immunocompromised status, or risk factors.
• Out-of-pocket costs for Paxlovid can reach approximately $1,400 for those without drug coverage.
• Initial authorization in 2022 was based on unvaccinated populations. current evidence reflects vaccinated populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the CanTreatCOVID study?

Dr. Andrew Pinto served as Principal Investigator, with Dr. Benita Hosseini as Co-Principal Investigator, both affiliated with the Upstream Lab at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

What did the CanTreatCOVID study find about Paxlovid?

The study found that Paxlovid does not reduce hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19 but helps them recover a few days faster.

Who is eligible for Paxlovid in Ontario?

In Ontario, Paxlovid is recommended for individuals aged 65 and older, those 18 and older who are immunocompromised, or adults aged 18 to 64 with at least one risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes.

How much does Paxlovid cost without insurance?

For individuals not covered by Ontario Public Drug Programs or private insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of Paxlovid is approximately $1,400.

When was Paxlovid first authorized in Canada?

Health Canada authorized Paxlovid in January 2022 based on early data showing significant benefits in unvaccinated high-risk patients.