Researchers from the University of Southampton have considered providing treatment for COVID-19 outside the hospital setting. They have developed an inhaler they claim to be "potentially life-saving" as it targets the disease in its early stages.
Nationwide trials for the inhaler are now underway in the United Kingdom. Scientists are hopeful that the device would stop the fast deterioration phase of the disease, especially those in patients experiencing breathing difficulties.
In the trials, the nebulizer uses an experimental drug called SNG-001, which is turned into mist fine enough to enter the lungs. The researchers say it would give a boost to the immune system in fighting off the viral infection.
According to the lead researcher, Professor Nick Francis from the University of Southampton, their trial is quite unique since they are addressing people with risk factors for severe ailment early on in the development of their infection.
Through setting up a "virtual network", health professionals can recruit, obtain consent, and monitor patients in their homes, in any location across the UK. Having started the trials last month, the researchers say they will publish results after they have treated at least 120 individuals.
Early Treatment of Coronavirus is the Way to Go
Professor Francis adds that early treatment could be the key to preventing COVID-19-related complications, hospitalizations, and death. Health professionals believe that with a readily available therapy at home, such as a nebulizer, people can treat themselves right away, as opposed to just hoping for the best.
According to the researchers, anyone who fits the age profile of over 50 years old with certain other health conditions, and tests positive for coronavirus can register for the clinical trial. Participants will be asked to puff on the inhaling device daily for at least two weeks. Doctors and nurses will then assess them through an online video link.
The authors say that the idea of the trial was to treat patients early on during their illness. Because of this, initial experiments were limited to those people living within 40 miles of the city. They wanted to treat the patients with the drug within three days of their symptoms appearing.
During that point in time, the national coronavirus testing system took so much time, which is why the researchers set up their own testing lab within the city to hasten the response times. Now that the testing system is working faster, the scientists have decided to test out the inhaler to people around the UK for the first time.
Hope for SNG-001 and the Coronavirus Inhaler
According to Richard Marsden from the biotech firm Synairgen, the expansion of COVID-19 testing means it would be quicker for them to deliver results from the trial as well.
The drug to be used in the inhaler, SNG-001, utilizes a protein called interferon beta, which the body naturally gives out during a viral infection. In clinical settings, the drug is already used in the form of an injection administered to boost immune responses of individuals who have multiple sclerosis.
Moreover, the researchers are optimistic that an inhaled version of the drug could help fight off lung infections. Additionally, they believe it could stop the coronavirus from causing severe respiratory complications in COVID-19 patients.
