Gout tested as a treatment for coronavirus in a large UK study

An anti-inflammatory drug widely used to treat gout and other conditions is the latest to be added to a large-scale study in the UK that is investigating potential treatments for the coronavirus.

Researchers leading the Randomized Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) study said colchicine will be tested in hospitalized patients with coronavirus.

“Colchicine is an interesting drug to evaluate in the RECOVERY study as it is very well understood, inexpensive and widely available,” Professor Peter Horby, co-lead investigator of the RECOVERY study, said in a news release. “If it worked, it would be another COVID-19 treatment that could be used immediately around the world, even in the poorest countries.”

According to Reuters, colchicine costs around $ 124 for 30 capsules.

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In addition to gout, the drug is already approved for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as pericarditis. According to the organizers of the study, inflammation is a factor in severe cases of COVID-19, which can lead to lung damage, the need for ventilators, and even death.

“Inflammation plays an important role in COVID-19 and we have already shown that treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone, can reduce deaths in the most severely ill COVID-19 patients,” Professor Martin Landray, co-leader of RECOVERY said in the press release. “Colchicine is widely used to treat gout and other inflammatory conditions such as pericarditis. By including colchicine in the RECOVERY study, we will be able to determine if it helps deal with the worst consequences of COVID-19. “

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The drug will be administered to a maximum of 2,500 patients enrolled in the trial initially in doses of 1,000 micrograms, then 500 micrograms every 12 hours for up to 10 days. The study will assess mortality after 28 days as well as the impact on hospital stay and the need for ventilation, according to the press release.

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The drug joins several other treatments being studied in the RECOVERY study including tocilizumab, convalescent plasma, Regeneron, and aspirin. Investigators say they have already closed registrations for azithromycin.