Summary: Researchers at the University of Melbourne and Austin Health have begun a world-first clinical trial testing whether daily intravenous zinc chloride can reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Earlier research indicates zinc may slow replication of some respiratory viruses and protect organs from oxygen-deprivation damage.
Source: University of Melbourne
World-first clinical trial tests intravenous zinc for COVID-19
A fast-tracked clinical trial led by Dr Joseph Ischia (Austin Health) and Dr Oneel Patel (Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne) will evaluate whether intravenous (IV) zinc chloride can lessen the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) in patients at high risk of respiratory failure. The trial emerges from collaborations between surgeon-scientists, intensive care, infectious disease, and respiratory medicine teams at Austin Health and the Australian pharmaceutical company Phebra.
Why zinc is being investigated
COVID-19 can cause severe respiratory illness when the virus infects the lungs, sometimes requiring mechanical ventilation. In the most serious cases, patients may experience multiple organ dysfunction and brain injury associated with reduced oxygen delivery. Dr Ischia explains that preventing or reducing these complications is a key goal of current therapeutic research.
Dr Oneel Patel has previously studied the protective effects of high-dose intravenous zinc against organ injury caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen). He notes that prior studies have shown zinc can slow the replication of related respiratory viruses such as SARS and certain coronaviruses responsible for the common cold. “Our published studies have also shown that high doses of zinc can protect vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver against the damage caused by a lack of oxygen,” Dr Patel said.
Design and objectives of the trial
The trial will evaluate the safety and potential clinical benefits of administering a daily injection of zinc chloride to hospitalized COVID-19 patients considered at risk for respiratory deterioration. The primary objective is to determine whether IV zinc reduces progression to respiratory failure and other severe outcomes. Researchers expect preliminary results to be available quickly, with early indicators possible within seven days of treatment initiation.
“There is currently no specific treatment available for patients who have COVID-19 and are at high risk of respiratory failure, which means this study has the potential to have an enormous positive impact on their clinical outcomes,” Dr Ischia said. “Importantly, we hope to show that we can save lives by limiting the impact of the symptoms. We are expecting to have preliminary results of the trial available after only seven days so we will know very quickly how effective this treatment is.”
Manufacturing and safety considerations
Phebra will supply the sterile IV zinc injections manufactured at its multi-purpose sterile injectables facility in Sydney. Phebra CEO Dr Mal Eutick said the company’s production capability enables the trial to proceed rapidly and that the research represents an important opportunity to evaluate IV zinc as a potential response to the pandemic.
“If successful this could save lives and with this trial we should know in a short time frame. In particular, it could be very important for those high risk elderly patients and also help reduce the level of general anxiety in the community.”
Both the clinical team and Phebra emphasise that zinc must be carefully dosed because excessive zinc can be toxic. “Zinc can be toxic and it will be carefully administered as part of the trial to ensure patients are safe,” Dr Ischia explained. The study protocol includes monitoring for adverse effects and strict dosing guidelines to manage overdose risk.
Collaboration and implications
This trial reflects a rapid collaboration between clinician-researchers at Austin Health and the University of Melbourne, together with pharmaceutical manufacturing support from Phebra. If the trial demonstrates benefit, IV zinc could offer an additional therapeutic option to reduce severe respiratory complications from COVID-19, particularly for older patients and those at high risk. The research may also help inform public health responses by clarifying whether zinc has a role in treating acute coronavirus infections.
About this COVID-19 research article
Source:
University of Melbourne
Media contacts:
Media team – University of Melbourne
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Image adapted from the University of Melbourne news release.
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