Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has enlisted the help of Grand Rapids’ Spectrum Health in the clinical trial of an inpatient COVID-19 treatment.
The COVID-19 trial treatment that President Donald Trump received as a “compassionate use” request from his doctors continues to be evaluated. The clinical trial of REGN-COV2, an antibody cocktail Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is evaluating as a treatment and prevention of COVID-19 is now available in a clinical trial at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital. The hospital is one of two Michigan health systems enrolling admitted patients.
For participants, this is a randomized, double-blind trial. That means the patient and the doctor don’t know who’s receiving treatment or a placebo.
“If patient receive medication or placebo I can be biased. Then I’m affecting if patient is getting better. This way there is no bias because I don’t know what patient has received.”
Research Physician Gordana Simeunovic says earlier trials of REGN-COV2 have shown reduced viral levels and improved symptoms.
“These patients recovered quicker and they had much less COVID -related subsequent medical visits after they received medication compared with those who did not.”
To learn more, contact covid19research@spectrumhealth.org