Coronavirus: Bid to identify most effective treatments

Monash University scientists are leading a clinical trial in a bid to identify the fastest and most effective treatment to cure critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Scientists at Melbourne’s Monash University are leading a clinical trial that involves more than 200 intensive care units around the world in a bid to identify the fastest and most effective treatment to cure critically ill COVID-19 patients.

The trial, known as REMAP-CAP, uses information gathered from randomised ICU patients with coronavirus that receive a mix of therapies, including antibiotics, antiviral medications, convalescent plasma, steroid treatments and immune therapy to determine the safest and most effective combination. Intensive care clinician Steve Webb, of Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said the trial would ensure more patients received the best treatments as quickly as possible.

“The goal of the REMAP-CAP is not to flatten the curve but bend it, saving lives during the pandemic by finding effective treatments,” Professor Webb said.

He said specialists could use the results from the trial to ensure newer coronavirus patients received the most successful remedy faster, potentially saving lives.

He added it would mean doctors could also rule out poorly tolerated medications.