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Wannigama DL, Hurst C, Phattharapornjaroen P, Hongsing P, Sirichumroonwit N, Chanpiwat K, Rad S.M. AH, Storer RJ, Ounjai P, Kanthawee P, Ngamwongsatit N, Kupwiwat R, Kupwiwat C, Brimson JM, Devanga Ragupathi NK, Charuluxananan S, Leelahavanichkul A, Kanjanabuch T, Higgins PG, Badavath VN, Amarasiri M, Verhasselt V, Kicic A, Chatsuwan T, Pirzada K, Jalali F, Reiersen AM, Abe S, Ishikawa H. Early treatment with fluvoxamine, bromhexine, cyproheptadine, and niclosamide to prevent clinical deterioration in patients with symptomatic COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102517. [PMID: 38516100 PMCID: PMC10955208 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Repurposed drugs with host-directed antiviral and immunomodulatory properties have shown promise in the treatment of COVID-19, but few trials have studied combinations of these agents. The aim of this trial was to assess the effectiveness of affordable, widely available, repurposed drugs used in combination for treatment of COVID-19, which may be particularly relevant to low-resource countries. Methods We conducted an open-label, randomized, outpatient, controlled trial in Thailand from October 1, 2021, to June 21, 2022, to assess whether early treatment within 48-h of symptoms onset with combinations of fluvoxamine, bromhexine, cyproheptadine, and niclosamide, given to adults with confirmed mild SARS-CoV-2 infection, can prevent 28-day clinical deterioration compared to standard care. Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with fluvoxamine alone, fluvoxamine + bromhexine, fluvoxamine + cyproheptadine, niclosamide + bromhexine, or standard care. The primary outcome measured was clinical deterioration within 9, 14, or 28 days using a 6-point ordinal scale. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05087381). Findings Among 1900 recruited, a total of 995 participants completed the trial. No participants had clinical deterioration by day 9, 14, or 28 days among those treated with fluvoxamine plus bromhexine (0%), fluvoxamine plus cyproheptadine (0%), or niclosamide plus bromhexine (0%). Nine participants (5.6%) in the fluvoxamine arm had clinical deterioration by day 28, requiring low-flow oxygen. In contrast, most standard care arm participants had clinical deterioration by 9, 14, and 28 days. By day 9, 32.7% (110) of patients in the standard care arm had been hospitalized without requiring supplemental oxygen but needing ongoing medical care. By day 28, this percentage increased to 37.5% (21). Additionally, 20.8% (70) of patients in the standard care arm required low-flow oxygen by day 9, and 12.5% (16) needed non-invasive or mechanical ventilation by day 28. All treated groups significantly differed from the standard care group by days 9, 14, and 28 (p < 0.0001). Also, by day 28, the three 2-drug treatments were significantly better than the fluvoxamine arm (p < 0.0001). No deaths occurred in any study group. Compared to standard care, participants treated with the combination agents had significantly decreased viral loads as early as day 3 of treatment (p < 0.0001), decreased levels of serum cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) as early as day 5 of treatment, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) by day 7 of treatment (p < 0.0001) and lower incidence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) symptoms (p < 0.0001). 23 serious adverse events occurred in the standard care arm, while only 1 serious adverse event was reported in the fluvoxamine arm, and zero serious adverse events occurred in the other arms. Interpretation Early treatment with these combinations among outpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 was associated with lower likelihood of clinical deterioration, and with significant and rapid reduction in the viral load and serum cytokines, and with lower burden of PASC symptoms. When started very soon after symptom onset, these repurposed drugs have high potential to prevent clinical deterioration and death in vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. Funding Ped Thai Su Phai (Thai Ducks Fighting Danger) social giver group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Biofilms and Antimicrobial Resistance Consortium of ODA Receiving Countries, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Pathogen Hunter's Research Collaborative Team, Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
- Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Kamiyanagi, Yamagata, 990-2212, Japan
| | - Cameron Hurst
- Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Parichart Hongsing
- Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Natchalaikorn Sirichumroonwit
- Institute of Medical Research and Technology Assessment, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
| | | | - Ali Hosseini Rad S.M.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9010, Otago, New Zealand
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Robin James Storer
- Office of Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Puey Ounjai
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phitsanuruk Kanthawee
- Public Health Major, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Natharin Ngamwongsatit
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Rosalyn Kupwiwat
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaisit Kupwiwat
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Vibhavadi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James Michael Brimson
- Department of Innovation and International Affair, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Naveen Kumar Devanga Ragupathi
- Biofilms and Antimicrobial Resistance Consortium of ODA Receiving Countries, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Division of Microbial Interactions, Department of Research and Development, Bioberrys Healthcare and Research Centre, Vellore, 632009, India
| | - Somrat Charuluxananan
- Department of Anesthesiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Talerngsak Kanjanabuch
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Kidney Metabolic Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Dialysis Policy and Practice Program (DiP3), School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Peritoneal Dialysis Excellence Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paul G. Higgins
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vishnu Nayak Badavath
- School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Hyderabad, 509301, India
| | - Mohan Amarasiri
- Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene, Department of Health Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Kitasato, Sagamihara-Minami, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Valerie Verhasselt
- Centre of Research for Immunology and Breastfeeding (CIBF), Medical School and School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Immunology and Breastfeeding Group, Neonatal and Life Course Health Program, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tanittha Chatsuwan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kashif Pirzada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Farid Jalali
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saddleback Medical Group, Laguna Hills, CA, United States
| | - Angela M. Reiersen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Shuichi Abe
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishikawa
- Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Kamiyanagi, Yamagata, 990-2212, Japan
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Deng J, Moskalyk M, Zuo QK, Garcia C, Abbas U, Ramaraju HB, Rayner D, Park YJ, Heybati K, Zhou F, Lohit S. Evaluating fluvoxamine for the outpatient treatment of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2501. [PMID: 38148036 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fluvoxamine for the outpatient management of COVID-19. We conducted this review in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, Web of Science, and CENTRAL up to 14 September 2023. Outcomes included incidence of hospitalisation, healthcare utilization (emergency room visits and/or hospitalisation), mortality, supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation requirements, serious adverse events (SAEs) and non-adherence. Fluvoxamine 100 mg twice a day was associated with reductions in the risk of hospitalisation (risk ratio [RR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.97; I 2 = 0%) and reductions in the risk of healthcare utilization (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.86; I 2 = 0%). While no increased SAEs were observed, fluvoxamine 100 mg twice a day was associated with higher treatment non-adherence compared to placebo (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.22-2.14; I 2 = 53%). In subgroup analyses, fluvoxamine reduced healthcare utilization in outpatients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 , but not in those with lower BMIs. While fluvoxamine offers potential benefits in reducing healthcare utilization, its efficacy may be most pronounced in high-risk patient populations. The observed non-adherence rates highlight the need for better patient education and counselling. Future investigations should reassess trial endpoints to include outcomes relating to post-COVID sequelaes. Registration: This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023463829).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Deng
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myron Moskalyk
- Biostatistics Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qi Kang Zuo
- UBC Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cristian Garcia
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Umaima Abbas
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Windsor), Western University, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Rayner
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ye-Jean Park
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiyan Heybati
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Jacksonville), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Fangwen Zhou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simran Lohit
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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