Clinical trial of Covid-19 drug led by Dundee University

DUNDEE University is leading a major new clinical trial of a drug it is hoped may help limit the health impact of Covid-19.

Researchers from the University’s School of Medicine have been enlisted to help in a trial of a drug being developed to t r eat lung inflammation in coronavirus patients.

While the virus results in a mild infection in most people, up to 20% of patients develop inflammation of the lungs which can require them to be ventilated.

Research has shown the body’s own inflammatory response, designed to clear the virus, causes the lung damage that ultimately leads to respiratory failure and death in severe cases.

The Dundee researchers will explore whether the drug brensocatib can reduce lung injury and prevent mechanical ventilation.

It is hoped the treatment will also lead to patients spending fewer days dependent on oxygen and shorter periods of time in hospital, reducing the burden on staff.

The trial, which has been named Stop Covid19, is the first Scottishled trial to take place in the battle against coronavirus.

Stop Covid-19 will recruit 300 volunteers from 10 hospitals across the UK, with patients offered the chance to participate immediately after their diagnosis.

Half the group will receive brensocatib in addition to standard hospital care, while the other half will receive a placebo. The study is expected to begin enrolment at the start of May.

The trial is being led by James Chalmers, professor of respiratory research at the university, and consultant at Ninewells Hospital.