Oxford Launches UK Trial of Existing Meds to Prevent Severe COVID-19 in Older Patients

Oxford University has launched a clinical trial testing existing drugs as preventative COVID-19 treatments in older patients.

The trial, called PRINCIPLE, aims to slow or halt the progression of COVID-19 and prevent hospital admission. It is testing the drugs in patients over age 50 who have symptoms of the disease.

The first phase will evaluate whether a seven-day course of hydroxychloroquine can reduce the severity of symptoms and help avoid hospital admission. The antibiotic azithromycin will be added in the next phase of the trial.