UK trials 'unique formulation' of ibuprofen to treat coronavirus
The drug would be given at a “very specific stage” of the virus to hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 in a randomized study
A new London-based coronavirus treatment trial launched this week will test if a formulation of ibuprofen can treat one of the complications of coronavirus: severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The trial is jointly headed by King's College London, a London research hospital and the pharmaceutical organization, the SEEK Group, reports the CNN.
It aims to reduce Covid-19 related respiratory failure, which in turn may decrease the need for more aggressive intervention such as ventilation, Kings College London said in a statement.
The drug would be given at a "very specific stage" of the virus to hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 in a randomized study.
Researchers say the drug differs from standard ibuprofen and is already licensed for use in the UK to treat other conditions. If proven successful, the treatment could be "invaluable" because of the low cost and high availability of the drug, the statement adds.