A UK-wide clinical study has confirmed the findings of an earlier Oxford BRC-supported study showing that the early treatment with the inhaled asthma medication budesonide speeds up recovery from COVID-19 and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death.
The latest study – part of the PRINCIPLE trial, which is looking at potential treatments for COVID-19 in the community with the aim of preventing hospitalisation – found that inhaled budesonide improves time to recovery, with a chance of also reducing hospital admissions or deaths.
The findings, published in the Lancet, support the earlier results of the STOIC trial, which was led by BRC-supported researcher Professor Mona Bafadhel, who was also one of the co-authors on the PRINCIPLE Trial study.
This latest randomised study found that Inhaled budesonide improved time to recovery, with a chance of also reducing hospital admissions or deaths in people with COVID-19 in the community who are at higher risk of complications.
The 4,700 participants were aged 65 years or older or 50 years or older with comorbidities, and unwell for up to 14 days with suspected COVID-19 but not admitted to hospital.
Commenting on twitter, Prof Bafadhel said: “Very proud to have worked with [the Principle Trial] getting this trial done. Inhaled budesonide in high risk populations with early COVID-19 quickened recovery of symptoms and reduced risk of hospitalisation/death. This trial replicates the Phase 2 STOIC trial findings … Another weapon in the battle against COVID-19. This one affordable and available worldwide now.