Biomarker analysis for CATALYST trial

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Measurement of complex biomarkers from samples collected in the CATALYST trial in patients hospitalised with COVID-19

  • IRAS ID

    298545

  • Contact name

    Birgit Whitman

  • Contact email

    researchgovernance@contacts.bham.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Birmingham

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    5 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    The CATALYST trial was one of the Urgent Public Health (UPH) priority trials evaluating potential new therapies for COVID-19. The CATALYST trial evaluated two drugs that blocked the messenger molecules GM-CSF (Namilumumab) and TNFalpha(Infliximab). Each drug was randomised to a usual care arm. The trial has now completed recruitment as the primary endpoint criteria have been met for both drugs.
    As part of the protocol, subjects who provided specific consent have had samples of blood collected on days 1,3 and 9 for the measurement of complex biomarkers and biological endpoints. The protocol details the process for collection of samples and indicates that these samples will be used for exploratory analyses, but does not define the analyses.
    This application is to seek specific permission to undertake analysis of the stored samples.
    The purpose of these analyses is to provide insight into the disease process of COVID-19, identify how the body responded to the trial treatments and if possible identify any predictors of good or poor response.
    No additional samples will be collected as a result of this research and participants will not be required to undertake any additional procedures.

  • REC name

    London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/PR/0999

  • Date of REC Opinion

    27 Jul 2021

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion