Magda Sobieszczyk and Michael Yin - April 1, 2020

Magda Sobieszczyk and Michael Yin: Update on COVID-19 related clinical trials

CUIMC is currently focusing on two types of clinical trials: large, randomized NIH-initiated or multi-center national studies to achieve rapid, clinically and virologically relevant endpoints; and smaller, scientifically important studies which may be nimbler and more relevant for our patient populations. One major focus is the trial of Remdesivir, an antiviral that targets the viral polymerase, in participants with moderate or severe COVID-19. The study, led by Max O’Donnoll, was launched at our center a few days ago, and is being replicated elsewhere. Sarilumab, a monoclonal antibody against the IL-6 receptor, is also being studied in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study assessing safety and efficacy. Prior studies in China suggest immunomodulatory IL-6 inhibitors may be beneficial, but did not have a placebo arm; a critical need exists to investigate this in a systemic fashion. Other antivirals, immunomodulators and convalescent plasma are also potential future studies.