• On December 30, 2021, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel's Statement on therapies for high-risk, non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

• Maryland is distributing 671 courses of Remdesivir to institutional pharmacies serving residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

• The evidence to support remdesivir therapy comes from the recently published PINETREE study showing 87% efficacy compared to placebo against the endpoint of hospitalization and death.

• Remdesivir is currently approved by the FDA for use in hospitalized individuals, and outpatient treatment would be an off-label indication. Remdesivir is administered 200 mg IV on day 1, followed by remdesivir 100 mg IV daily on days 2 and 3, initiated as soon as possible and within 7 days of symptom onset in those aged ≥12 years and weighing ≥40 kg.

• CMS created HCPCS code J0248 for the Veklury (remdesivir) antiviral medication when administered in outpatient setting.