Testing positive for COVID-19?

Have you recently tested positive for COVID-19? Please consider signing up to PANORAMIC - the world’s largest trial into new antiviral treatments.

Nearly five hundred volunteers in the Wessex area have already come forward, taking the national total to more than 27,000. More people are now needed to help reach target numbers and maximise results.

58-year-old Deborah Lancaster, who lives in Highcliffe, found it easy to take part. "It hasn’t taken up much time,” she said. “I filled in an online questionnaire, and there were some follow-up phone calls. I’ll definitely volunteer again.”

It remains vitally important to research antiviral treatments, to ensure people are well protected against future infections.

Molnupiravir (brand name, Lagevrio) was the first antiviral pill tested as part of the trial and has already been licensed. PANORAMIC has now moved onto testing Paxlovid, an oral antiviral pill taken at home. The medication could help clinically vulnerable people with COVID-19 recover more quickly.

You can join the study if you are aged 50 and over, or between 18 to 49 years with underlying health conditions which make you clinically vulnerable. You need to have had a positive COVID-19 test and be within five days of the onset of symptoms. Sign-up here .

Dr Patrick Moore, GP and Associate Clinical Director of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex, said: “Across the south, we’ve had a fantastic response from members of the public who are keen to step forward. This trial is helping gather vital evidence to help those most at risk from COVID-19. If you meet the criteria and have tested positive, I would encourage you to consider signing up.”

For more information please contact Chrissy.Sturt@nihr.ac.uk