IMU838 and oseltamivir in the treatment of COVID-19
COVID-19 is a chest infection caused by the coronavirus. It can cause breathing problems and require hospital care. Researchers are looking for safe treatments to help patients recover more quickly. This clinical trial is testing an experimental medicine called IMU-838 alongside an existing antiviral drug called oseltamivir (commonly known as Tamiflu). IMU-838 has already been tested for other conditions that cause swelling and has shown good safety results. Doctors hope combining the two medicines will fight the virus and calm lung inflammation. Adults admitted to hospital with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can take part. Participants take tablets twice a day for 14 days, either receiving oseltamivir alone or both drugs together, alongside their normal hospital care. The trial team will monitor recovery in hospital and follow up by phone for two weeks after treatment ends to see if the combination speeds up recovery.
At a glance
What is this study about?
COVID-19 is a condition caused by a coronavirus that attacks the respiratory system. While many people experience mild symptoms, some develop chest infections and pneumonia, where the lungs fill with fluid. When this happens, people may need hospital care to help them breathe comfortably. Doctors are continually testing new treatments to speed up recovery and prevent people from becoming more unwell.
This trial investigates whether adding a newer medicine called IMU-838 to an already approved antiviral medicine called oseltamivir improves recovery times. Oseltamivir is widely used to treat influenza (flu). IMU-838 is designed to treat conditions caused by an overactive immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and has already shown a good safety record with minimal side effects. Scientists believe using these two medicines together may help stop the virus from multiplying while also calming harmful lung inflammation.
The trial is being run in NHS hospital trusts across the UK. By comparing patients who receive both drugs with those who receive oseltamivir alone, researchers hope to discover whether this combination can shorten hospital stays and help future patients recover more safely from COVID-19.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether adding IMU-838 to oseltamivir helps people recover faster from COVID-19.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over who are hospitalised with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- Tablets are taken twice daily for 14 days alongside usual NHS hospital care.
- Follow-up lasts for 14 days after treatment ends, which may include a phone call check-in.
- Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged 18 and over who have been admitted to hospital with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. To take part, participants will usually have symptoms such as a cough or fever, and may require standard oxygen support through a face mask or nasal tubes to help them breathe.
Participants must be able to swallow tablets by mouth. The trial is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study period.
People who are allergic to IMU-838, oseltamivir, or any of their ingredients cannot participate. Patients taking part in any other clinical trial testing experimental COVID-19 treatments, or those with underlying medical conditions that make the study unsafe, will also be unable to join.
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.
- Aged 18 years or older
- Currently in hospital with confirmed or suspected COVID-19
- Able to swallow tablets
- Not currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy
- Not taking part in another experimental trial for COVID-19
What does participation involve?
If you take part, you will be placed by chance (like rolling a dice) into one of two groups. One group takes oseltamivir tablets twice a day for 14 days. The other group takes both oseltamivir and IMU-838 tablets twice a day for 14 days. Both treatments are given in addition to standard NHS hospital care. If you are well enough to go home before the 14 days are finished, you can continue taking the tablets at home. The research team will track your health during your hospital stay and for an additional 14 days after your tablets are finished. This follow-up may include a brief phone call from a doctor or research nurse to check on your recovery. In total, your participation lasts around four weeks (28 days).
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS TrustUnverifiedCoventry, England
Common questions
How is it decided which treatment I receive?
A computer system places participants into a treatment group at random. Neither you nor your hospital doctor can choose the group.
Will I still receive standard NHS care?
Yes. Any study medication you receive is given in addition to the usual hospital treatments, such as oxygen or fluids.
What happens if I leave the hospital before the 14 days are up?
You will be given the remaining tablets to take at home with clear instructions, and the trial team will phone you to check how you are doing.
Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
Yes, you can leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Your usual medical treatment and care will continue as normal.
Can I contact the team to volunteer for this study?
No, this study is not taking direct volunteers from the public. Hospital doctors identify suitable patients directly during hospital admissions.
How to find out more
Shivam Joshi
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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