Plasma therapy clinical trials continue in TN despite setbacks in other states

Chennai

The Phase II, open label, randomised controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit COVID-19 associated complications in moderate disease (PLACID Trial) by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is being done at several hospitals in the State.

Those with mild and moderate infection are being given plasma from the recovered patients at Madras Medical College and Hospital. “So far there are no complications. This is just a trial; plasma therapy is not being used as a method of treatment. The reports on the development in the clinical trial are being sent to ICMR, which will approve or disapprove the therapy as a treatment method for COVID-19,” said Dr S Subhash, head of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital blood bank who is overseeing the trial.

Dr Subhash said there are 13 patients who are part of the trial. “The reports are being updated every day. Once the target is reached, a comprehensive report will be shared,” he said.

Senior officials with the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine said even the states where the patients have died during the trial are continuing with it.

“If ICMR says that the trials should be stopped due to these results, the State would follow it. So far, there have been no such complications,” said a senior official.

Director of public health Dr TS Selvavinayagam said the clinical trial was being performed as per ICMR protocol. “The trail is being overseen by senior health department officials to ensure that the trial continues as per the ICMR protocol,” he said.