With the rise of COVID-19 cases, many individuals are wondering about what treatments will be available for patients who have tested positive. As it can be a long wait for patients, it takes several months to a year timeframe of testing to develop effective treatments to aid patients with their outcomes. As there are many clinical trials taking place, some of which are being conducted in Toronto. In particular, some of the trials are in stage 3 which means they are recruiting eligible participants.
CONCOR-1 Treatment
One of these clinical trials is being conducted in 59 hospitals throughout Canada to use a potential antibody from past patients who had recovered from COVID-19. An antibody is a specialized protein that is utilized to combat the body’s foreign materials (e.g. viruses and bacteria). The antibody called Convalescent Plasma will be transfused to present patients with COVID-19 in the hospitals to reduce the mortality rate, intubation period and length of hospital stay due to COVID-19. However, with transfusion, there are some side effects to consider as one may have a fever, allergic reaction or lung injury. Overall, throughout this trial, its goal is to improve patient outcomes which would reduce the burden on the healthcare system. This clinical trial is currently recruiting participants who have tested positive for COVID-19 and is on supplement oxygen.
If you live in Scarborough, you can go to any hospital affiliated with the Scarborough Health Network and if you live in the GTA, you can go to Toronto General Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sinai Health System and much more.
For more information regarding clinical trials and which locations are taking part in this clinical trial please view the links below:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04348656#contacts
https://concor1.ca/ (password:concor1patient)
In addition, if you recovered from COVID-19 and would like to take part in this study, you can donate your Convalescent Plasma. For more information about donating, please see the link below to sign up:
https://www.blood.ca/en/plasma/donating-plasma/covid-19-and-convalescent-plasma
If you would like to contact Scarborough Health Network for more information, please email Jianmin Wang at jianmin.wang@nygh.on.ca or for more information contact info@CONCOR1.ca
Lopinavir/Ritonavir Treatment
Another clinical trial occurring is utilizing Lopinavir/Ritonavir is a type of drug that is originally used immediately for individuals who have been possibly exposed to HIV infections as it will allow the body to take action to fight viruses. In relation to COVID-19, it is believed this treatment can be used as a preventive measure for people who may be in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. This is because like HIV, it is thought that Lopinavir/Ritonavir will allow the body’s immune system to fight the novel coronavirus agents that can be present in the body. Thus, the study outcome is that within a 14-day timeframe to detect if there is any evidence of foreign agents that could result in a positive COVID-19 infection. There are also some side effects to consider including diarrhea, weakness and upset stomach. This study has recently begun to recruit participants at St. Michael’s Hospital who are 18 months and older that are at high risk of COVID-19 as they are in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
For more information regarding the clinical trial and which locations are taking part in this clinical trial please view the links below:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04321174?cond=covid&draw=2#contacts
If interested to take part, you can also contact Alexandre Schnubb coriprev@unityhealth.to
Written by: Shenen Sivakumar