Southampton researchers have opened a trial of an at-home inhaled treatment for COVID-19 for people who have experienced up to three days of COVID-19 symptoms.
Southampton research in collaboration with Synairgen Research Ltd and the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, are trialling inhaled anti-viral drug SNG001 as a new treatment for COVID-19.
They are looking for people to take part who have developed COVID-19 symptoms in the past three days and are considered to be more susceptible to complications.
The treatment
SNG001 contains interferon-β, is a protein that occurs naturally in the body with antiviral properties.
There is evidence that older people and people with some chronic health conditions have poorer interferon-β responses, and also that the virus that causes COVID-19 suppresses interferon-β production by cells in the body.
It is hoped that SNG001, an inhaled interferon-β delivered via a nebuliser (a machine that helps you to breathe in a medicine as a mist through a mouthpiece), will boost the lungs’ antiviral defences and help prevent a deterioration in lung symptoms in patients with COVID-19.
Done at home
Those who take part will not need to leave home - everything required will be delivered to them, including the drug and any equipment needed.
A daily video call with a trial doctor or nurse will let them to check how the participant is feeling, help them take the trial drug (or placebo) and tell them how to measure their pulse, oxygen levels and temperature once a day for 14 days.
They will also have video calls the day after their final dose and two weeks later.
Taking part
The researchers are looking for people who:
- Have developed symptoms of COVID-19 during the last three days (which include a fever, a persistent cough and/or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste)
- Are 65 years of age or older
- Are over 50 years of age with a pre-existing medical condition
For more information and details of how to take part visit: www.covidtrialathome.com
Posted on Friday 17 July 2020