A/Professor Meg Jardine and Professor Carol Pollock
medication could reduce severe COVID-19 symptoms A group of blood pressure
“The trial will investigate whether a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers can improve outcomes for COVID-19 patients, by interrupting the virus’ entry into the body’s cells,” she said. “We’ll also be looking at whether these medications can protect patients against lung injury from COVID-19, a common outcome for those with severe symptoms. “These existing blood pressure medications have already shown to reduce inflammation and we’re hopeful they’ll reduce the risk of severe COVID disease and guide future treatment advice.” Blood pressure medications have been used widely in the treatment of various chronic diseases for more than 30 years and are affordable and easy to
access. “If found to be effective, these medications could be rapidly incorporated into the routine clinical care of COVID-19 patients, long before a vaccine is ready,” Professor Pollock said. “This would represent a major breakthrough in the management of these patients, so we’re very keen to see the initial results of the trial. “The project involves a tremendous national and international collaboration, and it will give Australia the opportunity to deliver really significant global benefits.” The trial has received $1.4 million from the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.
Morrison was being cared for at Royal North Shore Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and last week she celebrated her milestone 18th birthday. Maya was born at 25 weeks, weighing just 732 grams. Maya’s mum Jodi Morrison got in contact via the Royal North Shore Hospital Facebook page to send her thanks to staff at the NICU. “Just wanted to say a massive thank you to the doctors and nurses at RNSH NICU,” she said. medications may hold the key to better outcomes for those with COVID-19, marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of the virus. An exciting new study, involving researchers from across Australia and India, will investigate whether existing blood pressure medications can reduce the risk of severe disease as well as the duration of severe symptoms. Researchers from Royal North Shore Hospital will support a team led by Associate Professor Meg Jardine from The George Institute for Global Health. Professor Carol Pollock, who will lead the trial at RNSH, said the CLARITY study will involve up to 600 patients over the next year.
RNSH NICU baby celebrates 18th birthday Eighteen years ago Maya
“Feeling so grateful and didn’t know how to show our appreciation.”
Maya in the NICU
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