COVID-19: icddr,b begins clinical trial of Ivermectin-doxycycline
Overseas health research organisation icddr,b has started clinical trial of anti-parasitic medicine Ivermectin on blend with antibiotic doxycycline or Ivermectin alone on treating coronavirus (COVID-19) patients.
The trial will be conducted on 72 patients undergoing treatment in four COVID-19 hospitals in Dhaka, icddr,b said on Wednesday.
The study has in the beginning commenced with Kurmitola General Medical center and Mugda Medical College and Medical center while discussions with others underway.
Dr Wasif Ali Khan, Senior Physician Scientist of Enteric and Respiratory Diseases at icddr,b may be the principal investigator of the analysis.
He said: “Because of the rapid replication of the virus we have to find effective antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, we don't have such drugs for coronavirus and it might take decades to build up new ones. As a result, we have to explore existing drugs, which happen to be affordable and have a low side-effect and may save lives.”
A panel of international and local experts are involved with this clinical trial.
The objective of the analysis is to comprehend the virological clearance rate and times necessary for remission of fever and cough by using Ivermectin with or without doxycycline.
It will also try to understand the improvements in oxygen requirement, known reasons for patients failing to maintain oxygen saturation (SpO2) in this article 88% despite oxygenation, alterations in number of times on oxygen support and hospitalisation, and factors behind mortality.
Ivermectin is a good drug for parasitic infections which includes been in work with since 1980 and approved by the meals and Drug Administration, USA.
The drug has gained big attention as a potential treatment for the new coronavirus, and several clinical trials are underway to see its efficacy in COVID-19.
While Ivermectin is quite affordable drug and considered safe and sound for most people, it can reason side effects including skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, neurologic adverse events (dizziness, seizures, confusion), and sudden drop in blood circulation pressure in a tiny percentage of people.
The analysis is funded by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd and is scheduled to get rid of in two months.
