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AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

Cysteamine in association with standard therapy for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: phase 2 study on safety of a new antiviral and direct therapy on the host

This study is investigating a new medication called Cysteamine, given in addition to the standard treatments that people receive in hospital for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The main aim is to carefully check the safety of Cysteamine. This includes looking at any side effects people might experience during treatment and for a period afterwards. We also want to understand how Cysteamine works in the body and if it helps people get better. By examining these things, researchers hope to discover if Cysteamine could offer a new and effective way to help patients recover from COVID-19. This is a Phase 2 study, meaning it's still in the early stages of testing in a small group of people.

At a glance

Status
Authorised
Phase
Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)
Sponsor
National Institute For Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani
Enrolment target
30
Start
21 Oct 2024

What is this study about?

This research study is about finding new ways to help people who are very unwell with COVID-19, specifically those who have pneumonia and are in hospital. Doctors are looking at a medicine called Cysteamine, which is given alongside the usual care you'd get in hospital. The main goal is to understand if Cysteamine is safe for patients with COVID-19 and how it affects their bodies.

Researchers will be looking very closely at any side effects patients might have, both during the treatment and for a few months afterwards. They also want to see if Cysteamine can help fight the virus directly or support the body's natural defences. This kind of study, called a Phase 2 trial, helps us learn more about new medicines and if they might be helpful for more people in the future.

Learning about new treatments for serious conditions like COVID-19 is very important. Every new piece of information helps doctors better understand the disease and improve how we look after patients. This study contributes to that ongoing effort to find better ways to help people recover.

Key takeaways

  • This study evaluates a new treatment, Cysteamine, for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
  • The main focus is to ensure the safety of Cysteamine and observe any side effects.
  • Patients receive Cysteamine alongside their standard hospital care.
  • Participation involves taking capsules, regular check-ups, and blood tests.
  • Monitoring continues for up to 90 days to track effects and recovery.
  • This is an early-stage study to gather important information about this potential new medicine.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. This study is open to both men and women.

You would need to be currently in hospital because you have COVID-19 pneumonia. This means your COVID-19 infection is affecting your lungs seriously enough to require hospital care.

The research team will have other specific medical criteria to make sure the study is safe and appropriate for everyone involved. They will check your medical history to ensure you meet all the requirements for participation.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Are you currently in hospital with COVID-19 pneumonia?
  3. Are you currently receiving standard hospital care for COVID-19?
  4. Are you able to take medicines in capsule form?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be given Cysteamine capsules in addition to your standard hospital care. You would take these capsules for a set period while you are in hospital. The research team would closely monitor you throughout this time.

This involves regular check-ups, which might include blood tests to see how the medicine is affecting your body and how your COVID-19 is progressing. They would also ask you about any symptoms you're having and how you're feeling. Some blood tests will check the level of Cysteamine in your body at certain times after you take it. There will also be tests to look at other markers in your blood both at the start and later in the treatment.

The study would involve following your health for up to 90 days after you start taking the medicine, even if you are discharged from the hospital sooner. This is to make sure all potential effects, good or bad, are properly recorded.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of taking part is that you might receive a new treatment that could help you recover from COVID-19, although this is not guaranteed for anyone. Potential risks involve experiencing side effects from the Cysteamine medication. It's important to remember that you can decide to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual hospital care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.
  • Unverified
    Italy

Common questions

What is Cysteamine?

Cysteamine is a medicine being tested to see if it can help people seriously ill with COVID-19. It's given in capsule form.

Why are you studying COVID-19 pneumonia?

COVID-19 pneumonia can be very serious, and doctors are constantly looking for new and better ways to treat it and help patients recover faster.

Will I still get my usual COVID-19 treatment?

Yes, Cysteamine would be given in addition to the standard treatments you would already be receiving in the hospital for COVID-19.

What are 'side effects'?

Side effects are any unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medicine. The study will carefully monitor for any of these.

How long will I be in the study?

You will take the medicine for a set time while in hospital, and your health will be monitored for up to 90 days after you start the treatment.

How to find out more

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

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