Coronavirus: Peterborough and Cambridgeshire doctors enrolling patients on Covid-19 trial

The Platform Randomised trial of INterventions against COVID-19 in older peoPLE (PRINCIPLE) trial is one of a growing number of clinical trials investigating treatments for Covid-19 taking place across the country.

However, unlike many other clinical trials for Covid-19, which are mostly focussed on providing treatment to those who are admitted to hospital with severe symptoms, the PRINCIPLE trial looks to identify treatments that can slow or halt the progression of the disease, preventing the need for hospitalisation.

The PRINCIPLE trial aims to, in the first instance, test a drug called hydroxychloroquine which is already used within the NHS to treat patients with malaria and some types of arthritis. The goal is to prevent the coronavirus symptoms progressing, helping those affected to recover sooner and, critically, avoid the need for hospital admission.

Researchers aim to recruit more than 3,000 people aged 65 and above, or aged 50-64 with an underlying health condition, who are most risk of complications from Covid-19.

Volunteers will be invited to join the trial via participating GP surgeries. As well as testing hydroxychloroquine, the trial design allows for new treatments arms to be added as researchers gather more information.

Dr Sharon Woods, a GP who is leading the trial at the Granta Medical Practice in Sawston, Cambridge, said: “We are passionate about providing the best care possible for our patients. Without evidence from research trials the effectiveness of treatments for Covid-19 will be unknown. To be able to continue to contribute to research, particularly concerning Covid-19 at such a critical time, is a privilege.”

PRINCIPLE is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Dr Amrit Takhar, primary care lead for the NIHR’s regional Clinical Research Network and GP at the Wansford Surgery in Peterborough said: “It is incredible to see how our network of GP practices has worked to get this trial set up and delivered to our patients so rapidly. Without research, and without those who take part in it, we simply can’t identify the best ways to treat patients with this diagnosis, so we are extremely grateful to all those involved.”

The NIHR is funding and supporting a growing number of Covid-19 studies taking place in the NHS. These include those testing existing and new medications to treat patients with Covid-19 related symptoms. The results of all studies prioritised by the UK Government and the NIHR are essential to the future treatment of UK and global patients.

To find out more about taking part in NIHR research visit www.BePartofResearch.uk and for wider information about the NIHR visit www.nihr.ac.uk.