First patient in trial of new virus treatment

THE first patient has taken part in a clinical trial exploring new treatments for Covid-19 in Manchester.

The Manchester Royal Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospital are part of a national push to find effective drugs for people hospitalised by coronavirus.

A patient at the MRI has become the first person at the hospital to participate in the trial of bemcentinib, a drug described by experts as a promising treatment which could speed up a person’s recovery.

The study falls under the ACCORD-2, one of several research

study trials taking place at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

As an adaptive study, drugs and therapies can be added or removed as researchers progress. Dr Alex Horsley, respiratory consultant at

Wythenshawe Hospital and medical director of the NIHR Manchester Clinical Research facility, is leading the study, while Prof Maya Buch, honorary consultant and professor of rheumatology at The University of Manchester, leads the study at the MRI.

Dr Horsley said: “Bemcentinib is a drug which has shown promise in clinical trials as a potential cancer treatment. However, it also works in ways that we think will be helpful as a treatment against Covid-19.

“Almost 3,700 people have taken part in Covid-9 research taking place at our Trust. We are grateful to every research participant, who are all playing a role in increasing understanding of this pandemic.”