Combination of (Interferon beta-1b, Lopinavir-Ritonavir and Ribavirin) versus Favipiravir in Hospitalized Patients with Non-Critical COVID-19: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Objectives: Our study aims at comparing the efficacy and safety of INF-based therapy (lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin, and interferon β-1b) vs. favipiravir (FVP) in a cohort of hospitalized patients with non-critical COVID-19.Methods: Single center observational study comparing INF-based therapy (interferon β-1b, ribavirin, and lopinavir/ritonavir) vs. FVP in non-critical hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Allocation to either treatment group was non-random but based on changes to national treatment protocols rather than physicians’ selection (quasi-experimental). We examined the association between INF-based therapy and 28-day mortality using Cox regression model with treatment as a time-dependent covariate.Results: The study cohort included 222 patients, of whom 68 (28%) received IFN-based therapy. Antiviral therapy was started at a median of 5 days (3-6 days) from symptoms onset in the IFN group vs. 6 days (4-7 days) for the FVP group, P Conclusion: Early INF-based triple therapy was associated with lower 28-days mortality and less need for systemic corticosteroids as compared to FVP in non-critical hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Funding Statement: None.Declaration of Interests: None.Ethics Approval Statement: KFMC Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the study and waived the need for informed consent.