BRADFORD researchers are at the forefront of a major clinical trial into the treatment of Covid-19.

The cutting edge respiratory drug to treat patients with Covid-19 to reduce the need for intensive care, is already being trialled at Bradford Institute for Health Research, based at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI).

The treatment from Southampton-based Synairgen PLC, uses a protein called beta interferon and has had positive results.

The Bradford centre was one of only eight centres nationally to be chosen for the trial and it is one of only two centres in Yorkshire.

Dr Dinesh Saralaya, who has led the trial, said: “It is fantastic news that Bradford is leading the way in delivering cutting edge trials which have a huge positive impact on the recovery of our patients.

“We were pleased that Bradford was chosen for the Synairgen treatment trial and this came about as a result of close links with fellow researchers at the University of Southampton, which was instrumental in the development of the drug, SNG001.

“The trial involved patients inhaling the drug directly into their lungs using a nebuliser, and the results have been very successful.

“So far we have recruited six patients to the study; five of whom responded very well and improved quickly. The patients were all in the early stages of Covid-19 and were at risk of developing severe disease which could require ventilation.

“The beta interferon stimulates an immune response, dramatically reducing breathlessness. We also found that it reduced the length of a patient’s hospital stay – down from an average of nine days to six. In 80 per cent of patients this drug can prevent their symptoms from becoming severe.”

Dr Saralaya added that in total the Trust was involved in six other ‘interventional’ Covid-19 trials, which had involved close to 200 patients to date, and that a further three trials were in the process of being set up.

“We are very fortunate that we have patients who are very willing to get involved in research. They are all too aware of what a catastrophic virus Covid-19 can be and they want to do all they can to help us find a treatment and a cure.”

Eddie Imishue, 55, is a Mental Health Care Support Worker with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

On April 18, he was admitted to the BRI with Covid-19.

He was prescribed the drug SNG001 via nebuliser to stop his symptoms worsening and prevent the need for being placed on ventilation.

Mr Imishue said: “I was very breathless and had a persistent cough. I also felt very lethargic. When I tested positive for Covid-19, I was asked by Dr Saralaya if I was willing to take part in the treatment trial and I said yes.

“The treatment had a profound positive effect on me and my symptoms improved so that I was able to go home, where I continued with the treatment.

"The staff kept regular checks on me, asking how I was getting along and I was able to report that I was feeling much better. I took the treatment for 14 days.

“I am happy to say that I have now been able to return to work. I feel very fortunate I was able to take part in the trial.”