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IRCE Commences COVID-19 Clinical Trial

(6th and 7th Left): Principal Investigator TICO Nigerian Study Center, Dr Nnakelu Eriobu and TICO Study Co-Investigator, Dr Vivian Kwaghe with TICO research study team at the Infectious Disease Center in University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Abuja.

The International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has commenced a clinical trial  to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multiple drugs aimed at modifying the human immune response to SARS-COV 2 infection or limiting its progression.

The clinical trial titled, Therapeutics for In-Patients with COVID-19 (TICO), is a follow up study on the In-Patient Treatment with Anti-Coronavirus Immunoglobin Study (ITAC), just concluded by IRCE.

According to the National Principal Investigator of the study, Dr Nnakelu Eriobu, patients who experience sustained recovery after receiving the investigational drug in the study will be assessed. So far, 42 individuals have been enrolled in the Nigerian study center out of the 593 patients enrolled on a global scale. Criteria for enrolment include, patients infected for less than 12 days with no severe symptoms or end organ failure.

IRCE is collaborating with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada and using the dedicated isolation center at the hospital for the research.

Consultant Physician at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) and Co-investigator of the study, Dr Vivian Kwaghe stated that “The patients are excited to be a part of the study, they know that there is no cure for COVID-19 yet, but they are glad to be part of the process with the hope that these drugs may end up being a very important treatment for COVID-19. As health care workers, we are open to new innovations and excited to participate in this new study as the new drug can potentially help our patients.”

Meanwhile, IHVN has installed a Lamina Flow Cabinet to be used for this study and other clinical trials. “The cabinet creates a sterile environment for preparation of infusion drugs. In the past, we have just worked with tablets but with the new equipment, we can do more advanced studies in drug trials.” Dr Eriobu said.

TICO study is funded by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and also done in partnership with the Nigerian COVID-19 Research Consortium (NCRC).