ANTICOV: Largest Clinical Trial in Africa to Test New Drug Combination

The need for effective COVID-19 treatments remains particularly acute, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where access to vaccines is still extremely limited. The ANTICOV clinical trial, which is consortia led by DNDi with partners including Swiss TPH, has started the recruitment of participants to test a new drug combination, nitazoxanide and ciclesonide, to treat people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 before their cases become severe. ANTICOV aims to respond to the urgent need to identify treatments that can be used to treat mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 early and prevent spikes in hospitalisation that could overwhelm fragile and already overburdened health systems in Africa. The ANTICOV study is being carried out by a consortium of 26 partners which is comprised of African research institutions and international health organisations, including Swiss TPH, and coordinated by Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). It is the largest trial in Africa to identify early COVID-19 treatments that can prevent progression to severe disease and potentially limit transmission. "Swiss TPH feels privileged to be part of this important consortium and collaboration," said Elisabeth Reus, Head of Clinical Operations unit at Swiss TPH. "We remain committed to support all partners in conducting the study in accordance to Good Clinical Practice and applicable regulations and standards.