In Lyon (Rhône), the Croix-Rousse hospital has a reference infectious and tropical diseases service in France. And that's where the launch of a large-scale clinical trial to find a treatment for the coronavirus is preparing. This multicenter study, which is part of the REACTing consortium, will cover some 800 patients in France, initially distributed in the CHUs of Lyon, Paris and Nantes (Loire-Atlantique). But it is orchestrated at the same time in many European countries with some 3200 patients who will test various potentially effective drugs against Covid-19.
"This trial will include four treatment arms" sums up Professor Bruno Lina, virologist and researcher at the International Center for Research and Infectious Disease, who coordinates, with Dr Florence Ader, the French study from the Croix- Redhead. "A first group of infected patients will be treated in a conventional manner, with treatment of symptoms, but not of the virus, details Pr Lina, a second group will receive a treatment of remdesivir, usually used against Ebola".
Lots of flexibility
"In the test tube, it works against the coronavirus," says Professor Lina, who is now waiting to verify the effectiveness of remdesivir on patients. A third group of patients will be given Kaletra, an addition of lopinavir and ritonavir, antiviral drugs usually prescribed for HIV, the AIDS virus, at the same time. For the last group, it will be a combination of Kaletra and Interferon Beta.
The greatest hopes are placed on this clinical trial. "It is interesting, because we can stop the trials on a group of patients at any time if that does not go well, and, conversely, we can introduce new therapeutic trials," explains Professor Lina. In the current emergency context, this study brings a lot of flexibility. "
"We will have results, for sure, and surprises"
Another advantage of this study: its speed. "We are lucky to be able to launch it at the same time as the start of the epidemic," notes the virologist, who hopes to reach conclusions in order to end the epidemic, unlike those of SARS which had fallen too late. . "It's a matter of weeks," says Bruno Lina, who is considering a therapeutic solution within six to eight weeks.
It takes time to recruit patients, treat them and compare the results between the different groups. This European study is in any case the most advanced currently, and ahead of those organized in the United States. "The stake is important," concludes the virologist, "we will have results, for sure, and more or less good surprises, but something will come of it." "