04.05.20
University Hospital Southampton trialling new coronavirus drug
As the UK continues to help lead research efforts into the current coronavirus outbreak and potential treatments, a promising new drug is being trialled at University Hospital Southampton in hopes it could bolster defences of at-risk patients.
Known as SNG-001, the drug being trialled is aimed at helping those with underlying respiratory conditions.
Utilising interferon beta, a protein produced in our bodies to fight viral infections, the treatment has so far shown in trials to help stimulate immune response in the lungs of those who suffer with asthma and chronic lung disease, according to the team at BBC’s Panorama programme, who gained access to a trial being run at the hospital.
If successful, the experimental new drug could go some way in helping the recovery of some of those most at risk of the virus, which has most significantly endangered those with underlying conditions.
Results from the ongoing clinical trial are expected by the end of June.
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Professor Tom Wilkinson, who heads up the drug trial, told Panorama: “In an ideal world we would see a significant improvement in the health of the patients receiving the drug, a reduction in those requiring intensive care and ventilation.
“But it is early days to understand that and we will know more when we have the results.”
Traditionally, interferon beta-1a is used to treat multiple sclerosis and is among the therapies being promoted for further study by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Other potential treatments being considered across the global research field include Remdesivir, which was first tested as a treatment for Ebola, Lopinavir or Ritonavi, an HIV treatment, and chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine – which have proved controversial after being endorsed by US President Donald Trump despite clinical testing still ongoing.