The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched the ACTT 3 clinical trial to evaluate Gilead Sciences‘ remdesivir in combination with interferon beta-1a, an immunomodulator, to treat Covid-19 in hospitalised patients.
The study will enrol more than 1,000 adult patients at approximately 100 sites in the US and internationally.
In February, the NIH initiated the ACTT study to assess remdesivir as a monotherapy for Covid-19 patients. A preliminary analysis of the ACTT data showed a statistically significant shorter time to recovery with Gilead’s drug compared to placebo.
Manufactured by Merck in Darmstadt, Germany, interferon beta-1a is indicated to treat multiple sclerosis. Interferon beta-1a comprises the same amino acid sequence as naturally occurring interferon beta, which is known to possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.
According to findings from laboratory studies, the normal interferon response is suppressed in certain Covid-19 patients.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataType 1 interferon was found to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and two closely related viruses in the laboratory. Two small randomised controlled trials also indicated that interferon beta treatment may benefit Covid-19 patients.
Patients with lung involvement, including a need for supplemental oxygen, abnormal chest X-rays, or a need for mechanical ventilation, will be enrolled for the ACTT 3 study.
It will compare remdesivir plus interferon beta-1a to remdesivir alone. Investigators will track the time to recovery in both treatment groups up to day 29.
A key secondary objective is patient outcomes at day 15, determined using an ordinal eight-point scale that ranges from fully recovered to death. The trial will also assess other secondary outcomes, including mortality alone.
An independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) will track ongoing data. Preliminary results are expected in the coming months.
Last month, the NIH launched a new clinical trials network for testing potential vaccines and monoclonal antibodies against Covid-19.
Called the COVID-19 Prevention Trials Network (COVPN), it was designed to enrol thousands of participants across large-scale trials.
