COVID-19: ICMR participates in Global Solidarity Trials of WHO
The Indian Council for Medical Research is to participate in Global Solidarity Trial of COVID-19 launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).
About the trials
The WHO has launched four mega trials to test the efficiency and accuracy of four treatments. The treatments are as follows
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Remdesivir
- Lopinavir-Ritonavir
- Lopinavir-Ritonavir along with Interferon.
Lopinavir and Ritonavir are currently being used to treat HIV infections. Remdesivir has still not be approved anywhere in the world. However, there are clinical trials that proved that the drug blocked Ebola virus in Rhesus monkeys.
The trials are to compare the effectiveness of the treatment and assess their effectiveness. They will also help to discover if any of the drugs will slow down the progression of COVID-19 and improve the survival rate of the patients.
The organization is to conclude the efficacy of the treatment based on the mortality rate, health condition, severe drug reactions and need for ventilator support.
Gujarat participates in the trial
The Gujarat Hospitals from four major cities are to participate in the trial. This includes Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot. The ICMR will represent the WHO in conducting the trials in India. Volunteer patients from the hospitals of these four cities are to be included in the trials.
India is among the 100 countries that are participating in the trial.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020