An ongoing science-society-ethics experiment The human challenge trial debate in COVID-19 pandemic

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Repurposed Antiviral Drugs for Covid-19-Interim WHO Solidarity Trial Results

Summary: The authors of the study reported the interim results of using four repurposed antiviral drugs (remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, and interferon beta-1a) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study showed that these drug regimens had little or no effect on overall mortality, initiation of ventilation, and duration of hospital stay.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Exploring Risks of Human Challenge Trials For COVID-19

David Manheim et al.

Summary: Human challenge trials are a potential method for accelerating vaccine and therapeutic development, but they face ethical and practical challenges, especially in the case of COVID-19. By using a Bayesian evidence synthesis model, researchers can estimate mortality and hospitalization risks in dosing studies, and project reduced risks through screening, population selection, and treatment. Based on these projections, a 50-person dosing trial for COVID-19 has a high probability of no fatalities and very few cases requiring hospitalization.

RISK ANALYSIS (2021)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology