Our research team is leading the way when it comes to COVID-19 treatment – through its involvement in a special research trial.
We have become the first trust in the country to trial a new treatment on a patient on two separate occasions.
Trialling new treatments
DMF
This week, the trust’s research team became the first in the UK to treat a coronavirus patient with DMF.
DMF stands for dimethyl fumarate. It is a tablet compound being tested as a potential treatment for patients ill with the virus.
It is commonly used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
REGN-COV2
This is now the second time the trust has been the first nationally to give a patient one of the new treatments being trialled as part of the RECOVERY study.
In October last year, the organisation was the first to treat a patient with REGN-COV2.
“We are helping to find answers”
Ben Prudon, respiratory consultant and study lead for the trust, said: “For a second time, we have led the way in this study.
“Time and time again, our research team and wider staff have excelled in their roles. 176 hospitals are involved in the study. But yet again we are the first.
“These achievements are not a coincidence. They are the result of a dedicated team of staff who speak to COVID-19 patients in our hospitals, explaining the benefits of being involved in a study like this.
“I am proud to lead such an outstanding team and be a part of this trial.
“Together, we are helping find the answers to this virus and improve the lives and health outcomes of so many people in Teesside and beyond.
“Improving treatment – along with the rollout of the vaccine programme – really will help us come through this pandemic.”
The Recovery study
The Recovery study is a national trial involving a range of tests into existing treatments used successfully for other conditions.
One of its standout successes to date has been the finding that steroid medication Dexamethasone is an effective treatment.