The UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases is now enrolling participants in a fast-track trial of an oral COVID-19 treatment known as Bemnifosbuvir (BEM). Currently, Paxlovid is used for treating COVID-19. However, it is known to interact with common drugs that treat cholesterol, blood clots, and other conditions. Because of these side effects, and the limitations of other antiviral treatments, new options are vitally needed.
“As the COVID-19 landscape continues to evolve, we want providers to be aware of this trial and refer patients who are just diagnosed with COVID-19,” explained David Wohl, MD, a co-principal investigator of the Clinical Trials Unit with Joe Eron, MD.
“This study is also a great opportunity for employees and students who are diagnosed with COVID-19, and will evaluate whether Bemnifosbuvir is effective and safe in adults with COVID-19 who do not need to be in the hospital but who are at high risk for progression to severe disease. Participants are allowed to also take Paxlovid, if prescribed by their healthcare provider.”
Bemnifosbuvir is an oral antiviral that does not have significant interactions with other medications. The primary study objective is to evaluate the efficacy of Bemnifosbuvir compared with placebo in reducing progression of COVID-19.
To learn more contact Miriam Chicurel-Bayard, RN, by calling 919-843-9922, or sending an email to: chicurel@med.unc.edu.
About the Global Clinical Trials Unit
The UNC Global Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), also known as the Global HIV Prevention and Treatment Clinical Trials Unit, operates through the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases. Established in 1987 and continuously funded ever since, the CTU facilitates high-quality clinical research dedicated to HIV prevention and therapy research. When the pandemic began in 2020, the CTU’s built-in infrastructure for research excellence and UNC’s reputation attracted the Moderna and Novavax trials, and it continues to bring leading trials to Chapel Hill.