UT Health SA wants COVID-19 patients for drug study that includes ivermectin

SAINT ANTHONY – Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are looking for active COVID-19 patients to participate in a study of a drug, which includes ivermectin.

The drug is used in humans for infections caused by certain parasitic worms, head lice and even rosacea. However, it gained notoriety after some COVID-19 patients started trying to use the veterinary version of the drug for deworming livestock.

Dr Thomas Patterson, Senior Local Investigator for the ACTIV-6 study, says that although previous studies have shown some promise for treating COVID-19 with ivermectin, there is still not enough data to recommend it yet.

“This is an important drug to study as a reused agent, because at lower doses it is a safe drug to take,” he said.

“I think it’s really important to recognize the importance – the usefulness of a carefully conducted study to show that it’s safe and effective? Because it is an important question.

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In the meantime, he says patients outside of a clinical trial shouldn’t try to self-medicate with it, and no one should try to use the vet version.

Ivermectin is one of three drugs currently in the study, although Patterson said drugs may be added or removed depending on the results of this or other study, or if a new drug is introduced. forward.

The other two drugs at present are fluticasone, an inhaled steroid commonly used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), often prescribed for depression, according to study website.

Participants are able to dictate which of the drugs they want to count for, Patterson said, whether it’s one, two, or all three. Those that are accepted are then shipped either one of the drugs or a placebo version.

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The nationwide study is expected to include 15,000 people and, due to the continued increase in local cases, Patterson said there could be several hundred in the area.

Participants can come from anywhere in the United States, however, and will keep track of their symptoms for 90 days, according to the. study site.

Eligibility criteria include:

• 30 years or older

• Tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days

• Have at least two current COVID symptoms for 7 days or less

You can register through the ACTIV-6 website HERE.