Informal consultation on the role of prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis

Overview

Currently, there are no licensed vaccines for the prevention of COVID 19. While efforts continue to develop effective vaccines, it is pertinent to examine the possible role of therapeutic agents in protecting healthcare workers and the general population who are at significant risk of contracting the virus, either before exposure to the virus or to prevent the development of clinical disease after exposure. Many countries have established treatment and prophylaxis protocols based on evidence that is yet unclear or insufficient. Following the start of the SOLIDARITY 1 clinical trial, the WHO is spearheading the coordination of research activities to provide evidence-based recommendations for prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis.

This expert consultation convened clinical care partners and experts in the field of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), biostatistics, regulatory affairs, preclinical studies, and pharmacology to evaluate current progress in the area of COVID-19 chemoprophylaxis.

This is the second consultation on this important subject.