Azvudine reduces the mortality rate of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019: a single-center retrospective analysis study

Background: Several therapeutic drugs have been authorized for the treatment of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, further research on the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and target populations of these novel therapeutic drugs are necessary. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of azvudine in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to our hospital from December 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Patients were divided into retrospective cohorts receiving azvudine antiviral therapy and standard treatment, and were followed-up for up to 28 days. Results: Prior to data processing, azvudine treatment was associated with reduced mortality rates at 7 days (1.09/1000 persons vs.5.06/1000 persons, p <0.001)and 14 days (3.35/1000 persons vs. 5.65/1000 persons, p =0.001). After propensity score matching, a decrease in mortality rates at 7 days (0.08/1000 persons vs.6.29/1000 persons, p <0.001), 14 days (3.42/1000 persons vs. 7.26/1000 persons, p <0.001), and 28 days (4.33/1000 persons vs. 7.29/1000 persons, p =0.003) were observed following azvudine treatment. After inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment, the results were consistent with propensity score matching. In the clinical subgroup analysis, for hospitalized severe and critical patients with COVID-19, azvudine treatment intervention significantly reduced patient mortality rates. Conclusions: The study suggests that in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, azvudine treatment significantly reduces patient mortality rates in hospitalized COVID-19 infections, wherein the effects are more pronounced in severe and critical patients.