Hauts-de-France: hospitals are studying a new therapy to cure Covid-19

By Nicolas aubouin
Published on 19 Mar 21 @ 18:14

–

L’Nebulized interferon. And if he was the key against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in this pandemic of Covid-19 ? This is what the CHU Amiens-Picardy which is carrying out a study with several hospitals in the region Hauts-de-France. Labeled “national research priority”, the clinical trial on nebulized interferon “opens the way to a new therapy to cure Covid-19”, assures the Region on its website.

Interferons are protein produced by the body (among others) to fight against respiratory infections of viral origin. However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus disrupts the body’s means of defense and the production of interferons. We can therefore imagine that an external supply of this protein thwarts the disease. Now we have to prove it.

Already used against multiple sclerosis

Interferon is a drug already known to health services since it is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and hepatitis C. It is to know its usefulness in the face of Covid-19 one clinical test was launched.

It is conducted on 146 patients by the Amiens-Picardie University Hospital. But several hospitals in the region are cooperating in the research. On the Hauts-de-France site, we cite the establishments of Tourcoing, Valenciennes, Abbeville, Compiègne, Saint-Quentin and the district of Montreuil-sur-Mer.

First results this summer

With subsidies from the Region and the “National Research Priority” label, work is progressing. The Amiens University Hospital trial has obtained “authorization from the country’s health authorities” announces the Region on its website.

That’s not all. The clinical trial “should be able to deliver its first results at the beginning of summer 2021”. Hoping that it is therefore conclusive.

From powder to droplet

The difficulty and the stake of this research, it is to succeed in applying the interferon directly in the airways impacted by the Covid to determine its effectiveness or not. However, this medication exists only in powder form and is usually injected in a liquid solution only under the skin.

The action of projecting a liquid in fine droplets (nebulize), would then make it possible to reach the lungs more easily and to concentrate its action. The clinical trial must then demonstrate whether or not, by this route of administration, interferon can cure us of Covid-19.

–