Inhaled Heparin Shows Promise in Treating Severe Respiratory Infections
A widely available and affordable drug,heparin,has demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating seriously ill COVID-19 patients,according to a new international study led by researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) in collaboration with King’s College London. The findings suggest inhaled heparin could be a valuable tool in combating severe respiratory illnesses.
The study, analyzing data from nearly 500 hospitalized COVID-19 patients across six countries, revealed that those who inhaled heparin were half as likely to require ventilation and experienced a substantially lower risk of death compared to patients receiving standard care.
Traditionally administered as an injection to treat blood clots,this study utilized an inhaled form of heparin,delivering the drug directly to the lungs. Heparin possesses unique properties – it acts as an anticoagulant,while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory and broad-spectrum antiviral effects. Previous research indicated improvements in breathing and oxygen levels in COVID-19 patients following inhaled heparin treatment.
Researchers believe the drug’s potential extends beyond COVID-19,offering a promising approach to treating othre serious respiratory infections like pneumonia. “Inhaled heparin is anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant. There’s no other drug that has that unique combination,” explains Professor Clive Page, Emeritus Professor of pharmacology at King’s College London and co-lead author of the study. “We certainly know it’s only a matter of time until the next pandemic, and there are still COVID-19 patients who get very sick.This is a great weapon to have up our sleeve.”
Professor Frank van Haren, lead author from ANU and Director of the Intensive care Unit at St George Hospital in Sydney, emphasizes the broad applicability of the treatment: “It doesn’t matter what kind of respiratory infection the patient is dealing with, the drug – when inhaled - will stop it from infecting the patient and from damaging the lungs.” He also notes the drug’s accessibility, stating, “And because it’s inexpensive, it’s much more accessible for those from low-income countries.”
The research team is currently working on developing an improved formulation of heparin specifically designed for inhalation. Further trials, including one planned for Europe, will aim to confirm its effectiveness against common respiratory infections such as influenza and RSV. The findings were published in eClinicalMedicine and presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Amsterdam on September 28th. The drug also shows promise for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients, experiencing respiratory infections.
