Ground-breaking research taking place at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is investigating a pioneering new treatment for COVID-19.
Nationally, the AGILE platform aims to fast-track a range of potential new coronavirus therapies through early phase clinical trials to help find drugs which can prevent people who contract the virus from becoming severely ill – testing multiple potential treatments in parallel.
The study is blind, meaning participants are randomised to receive either a study drug or a placebo – and neither the participants, nor study team, will know which until the trial data has been analysed.
The arm of the study taking place at Manchester Royal Infirmary – part of MFT – is trialling the antiviral, molnupiravir.
In November 2021, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that molnupiravir is safe and effective at reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death in people with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at increased risk of developing severe disease.
Described by the UK’s Health Secretary as, “a gamechanger”, in the pandemic response, it is the first antiviral medication for COVID-19 which can be taken at home in tablet form, rather than injected or given intravenously.
Dr Shazaad Ahmad, Consultant Virologist at MFT, leads the study at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), where it is being delivered within the NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at the Hospital.
Dr Ahmad said: “The UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme has been impressive and has led to a decrease in infection and hospitalisation rates.
However, it will not eradicate COVID-19 infections entirely, and it is therefore essential that we continue to find treatments for those people who do contract the virus to prevent them from developing severe disease.
“Molnupiravir works by interfering with the virus’ replication. This prevents it from multiplying, keeping virus levels low in the body and therefore reducing the severity of the disease.
“In order to find out more about it, we rely on volunteers to participate in the AGILE trial – which is why we are asking people from across Greater Manchester to consider taking part in this vital research.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the people who have already taken part in the study at our Trust, as well as the multidisciplinary team who are doing a fantastic job of delivering the study within NIHR Manchester CRF.”
