Pakistan has joined 52 countries on Covid-19 research as it has enrolled to participate in the ‘Solidarity PLUS’ clinical trial led by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The solidarity clinical trial by WHO will evaluate three potential drugs, artesunate, imatinib and infliximab for the treatment of Covid-19 infections aiming to protect people from severe hospitalization and death because of the pandemic. The organization has already announced researchers and scientists from different countries which are included in the research.
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WHO announced Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, joining thousands of researchers in 52 countries worldwide in the Solidarity PLUS study, making up the largest global collaboration on Covid-19 research and development.
A panel of experts selected three potential drugs who assess all available evidence on relevant therapeutics. The drugs have proven effectiveness in treating other life-threatening diseases. Artesunate is used for severe malaria, imatinib for specific cancers, and infliximab for diseases of the immune system, such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
According to the Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, “Covid-19 has been the most disruptive public health challenge in the past century. In less than two years, the pandemic has claimed over 4.4 million lives across the world, overwhelmed health systems, and disrupted economies and societies,”
“It is critical that we find effective treatments to prevent severe hospitalisation and death caused by Covid-19. We appreciate the efforts of countries in the region in collaborating on vital global studies for the treatment of Covid-19, in the spirit of solidarity.”
What is ‘Solidarity PLUS’ trial?
It is a global platform trial that represents the largest global collaboration among WHO member states. This large, global randomized control trial is designed to provide robust results on whether a drug can save lives in those hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19.
Large platform trials like WHO Solidarity PLUS trial, empower local researchers and provides them with opportunities to contribute their expertise and resources to the global research needs.
