SMC publishes an updated Collaborative Advice Document for COVID-19 medicines; update for nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (partial review of TA878)

SMC has published an updated Collaborative Advice Document for COVID-19 medicines, which includes new advice for nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid) following a partial review. The recommendations are aligned with the updated NICE final guidance for TA878 (13 March 2024).

The updated final guidance includes a Funding Variation for application in NHS England. Scottish Government will issue separate advice regarding implementation in recognition of this aspect for NHS Scotland.

A budget impact template is provided in confidence to NHS boards to enable them to estimate the predicted budget for medicines accepted for use. The updated template reflects the population now covered by the updated advice for nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid) and incorporates assumptions around the funding variation.

You can find the NICE final guidance here: Overview | Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab for treating COVID-19 | Guidance | NICE.