The STOIC Study (STerOids in COVID) [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Use of inhaled corticosteroids as treatment of early COVID-19 infection to prevent clinical deterioration and hospitalisation
IRAS ID
282772
Contact name
Mona Bafadhel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Eudract number
2020-001889-10
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 15 days
Research summary
At the time of writing over two million people have been infected by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus around the world. The severe clinical condition that leads to deaths is now called CoVID-19. Currently, there are no effective treatments for the early or late stages of this illness. Governments worldwide have undertaken dramatic interventions to try and reduce the rate of spread of this deadly coronavirus.\nEarly data from multiple studies in China, where the virus originated, show that severe cases of CoVID-19 are not as prevalent in patients with chronic lung diseases as expected. This is similar to findings from Italy and the US. We think that the widespread use of inhaled corticosteroids may be reducing the risk of severe CoVID-19 infection in patients with chronic lung disease. Early experimental data also shows that inhaled corticosteroids are effective at slowing down the rate of coronavirus replication on lung cells.\nInhaled corticosteroids are widely used to manage common lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. This type of medicine is among the top 3 most common medication prescribed around the world. These medicines are safe, the way inhaled steroids work is well understood, and the potential side effects are mild and reversible. \nWe propose to test the idea that, in participants early in the course of CoVID-19 illness, daily inhaled corticosteroids for a maximum of 28 days, will reduce the chances of severe respiratory illness needing hospitalisation. We will also study the effect of this inhaled therapy on physiology, symptoms and the amount of virus that is shed.\n
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/HRA/2531
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion